The Indian Railways is preparing to launch the Bullet Train project in Bihar, which will significantly reduce the travel time between Patna, Delhi, and Siliguri. This high-speed rail corridor is designed for trains to run at a speed of 300 kmph. The project requires the acquisition of approximately 1,900 hectares of land across the state. The proposed route will pass through major hubs including Buxar, Patna, Begusarai, and Katihar, bringing a major boost to the regional infrastructure.
Key details of the Bihar high speed rail corridor
The Varanasi-Patna-Siliguri corridor is a primary part of this project, spanning nearly 799 kilometers in total. In Bihar, an elevated corridor of about 650 kilometers will be constructed to ensure high-speed operations without local interference. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the survey team has been formed and ground work is expected to start between July and August 2026. The Detailed Project Report for the Hyderabad-Chennai and Patna-Siliguri routes is expected to be finalized by March 2027.
Land acquisition and stations in Bihar
The land acquisition process has already started in several districts to ensure the project stays on schedule. In Patna alone, 58 villages have been identified for land procurement where compensation will be offered at four times the circle rate for rural areas. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited is overseeing the agency selection and technical planning. For the convenience of passengers, several key stations have been proposed across the route.
| Project Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Train Speed | 300 – 350 kmph |
| Land Required | 1900 Hectares |
| Major Bihar Stops | Buxar, Arrah, Patna, Begusarai, Katihar |
| Construction Start | Expected by late 2026 |
| Operational Goal | By the year 2030 |
| Agency | NHSRCL |
Training and technical development
To ensure the success of the high-speed rail system, engineers are receiving specialized training at IIT Patna. This training covers advanced track design, safety protocols, and the latest high-speed rail technologies. The Railway Ministry has emphasized that passenger safety is the highest priority, and the ‘Kavach’ protection system will be integral to these operations. Tila Consultant Private Limited is currently conducting the survey work to finalize the track alignment and station locations.