Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced a new high-speed rail corridor connecting Delhi to Siliguri. This project will link Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, significantly reducing travel time for passengers in North and East India. The project is currently in the initial paperwork stage, including surveys and feasibility studies.
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Which cities will be covered in the Delhi-Siliguri route?
The proposed bullet train will start from New Delhi and pass through several key cities before reaching Siliguri. The planned route includes the following stops:
| State | Major Stations/Cities |
|---|---|
| Delhi & UP | Noida (Jewar Airport), Mathura, Agra, Etawah, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Ghazipur |
| Bihar | Patna |
| West Bengal | Siliguri (near New Jalpaiguri) |
What is the expected speed and travel time?
The high-speed trains will operate at a speed of 300-320 km per hour, while next-generation trains are designed for 350 km per hour. This will reduce the current travel time between Delhi and Siliguri from approximately 20 hours to just 6 hours. This corridor will also reduce the pressure on the existing Delhi-Kolkata rail route.
What is the current status of the project?
The project is in the preliminary stage where the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and surveys are being conducted. Initial works are expected to start within the next two years. This is considered India’s second major high-speed rail project after the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor and may be extended to Guwahati, Assam in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much will the travel time be reduced between Delhi and Siliguri?
The travel time will be reduced from the current 20 hours to approximately 6 hours due to the high speed of the trains.
What will be the speed of the Delhi-Siliguri Bullet Train?
The trains will run at a speed of 300-320 km per hour, with future versions designed for 350 km per hour.