Travelers heading to Eastern India will soon see a massive change in connectivity. The Ministry of Railways has confirmed a new high-speed bullet train corridor connecting Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Siliguri in West Bengal. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the details following the Union Budget 2026-27 presentation. This project is one of the seven new high-speed corridors proposed by the government. The train will run on a fully elevated track to maintain high speeds and ensure safety.
आपके लिए प्रकाशित: Hardoi Residents Disappointed as Railway Budget Fails to Address Senior Citizens’ Needs and Local Train Services।
Which Stations are Included in the Route?
The total length of the corridor is approximately 704 km. It will connect three major states: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. The railway ministry has identified specific stops to ensure key cities are covered. The track will be standard gauge, which is used globally for high-speed rail networks.
Major stops on the route:
- Uttar Pradesh: Varanasi (Start Point)
- Bihar: Buxar, Ara, Patna, Katihar
- West Bengal: Kishanganj, Siliguri (End Point)
What is the Expected Travel Time?
The most significant benefit of this project is the drastic reduction in travel time. Currently, trains take anywhere between 14 to 18 hours to cover the distance between Varanasi and Siliguri. The new bullet train is designed to operate at a maximum speed of 350 km/h.
Estimated travel times:
| Route | Time |
|---|---|
| Varanasi to Siliguri | 2 hours 55 minutes |
| Varanasi to Patna | 50 minutes |
| Patna to Siliguri | 2 hours 05 minutes |
Project Status and Budget Details
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed the development of these corridors in the recent budget session. A massive investment plan of approximately ₹16 lakh crore is set for seven such corridors nationwide. For Bihar specifically, the railway budget allocation stands at ₹10,379 crore this year.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently being accelerated. The Railway Minister mentioned that while the planning and funding are ready, the actual construction depends on land acquisition. The ministry is waiting for necessary land allocation approvals from the West Bengal government to move forward with the groundwork.