Delhi to Guwahati Bullet Train: New Northern Corridor Approved
PM Modi approves the 1,500km Northern Bullet Train Corridor connecting Delhi to Guwahati via Varanasi and Patna.
The landscape of Indian high-speed travel is set for a massive transformation. With the recent approval of the Delhi to Guwahati Bullet Train corridor, the government is set to connect the national capital with the far reaches of the Northeast, building upon the momentum of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad project.
On October 31, 2026, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially approved this extensive Northern Bullet Train Corridor. The project is designed to bridge the distance between Delhi and Guwahati, Assam, passing through the strategic hub of Siliguri, West Bengal.
A 1,500-Kilometer Connectivity Lifeline
Spanning approximately 1,500 kilometers, the planned route for this high-speed corridor includes several major stops that will significantly enhance regional connectivity. The designated stations include:
- Delhi
- Agra
- Kanpur
- Lucknow
- Ayodhya
- Varanasi
- Prayagraj
- Patna
- Siliguri
- Guwahati
Drastic Reduction in Travel Time
This new high-speed network is expected to revolutionize how passengers move across the country. Once operational, officials project that the service will reduce the travel time from Delhi to Siliguri to roughly six hours. Furthermore, the journey from Delhi to Guwahati is expected to be completed in under eight hours, making long-distance travel significantly more efficient.
Focus on Middle-Class Affordability
A key aspect of the project is its accessibility. Minister Vaishnaw noted that the fare structure is being carefully designed to be economical. The goal is to keep costs below current air travel prices, ensuring that high-speed rail remains a viable and attractive option for middle-income families.
Current Project Status and Expansion
The project is currently in its foundational planning phase. This stage involves critical work such as conducting technical surveys, freezing the track alignment, land acquisition, and detailed cost estimation before contracts are eventually awarded.
This initiative is part of a larger strategic expansion following the Union Budget 2026-27, which announced seven new high-speed corridors, including routes like Delhi-Varanasi and Mumbai-Pune. Meanwhile, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project continues to progress under the oversight of the NHSRCL, with the first commercial section between Surat and Vapi expected to be operational by August 15, 2027.