New Delhi: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced plans for a new bullet train corridor connecting Delhi and Siliguri, offering a significant boost to high-speed rail connectivity in eastern India. The proposed route is expected to pass through key cities including Lucknow, Varanasi and Patna before reaching Siliguri in northern West Bengal.
According to the minister, the journey between Delhi and Siliguri could be completed in approximately six hours once the project becomes operational.
Major Connectivity Boost for Eastern India
Speaking at the West Bengal Secretariat, Nabanna, in Kolkata, Vaishnaw said the project would transform travel between eastern India and the national capital. The proposed corridor is expected to improve mobility, reduce travel time and strengthen economic links across multiple states.
He also highlighted increased railway investment in West Bengal, noting that allocations for the state have grown significantly in recent years.
Kolkata Metro Set for Expansion
Besides the bullet train announcement, the Railway Minister revealed plans to introduce 60 next-generation trains for the Kolkata Metro over the next five years. He added that several railway and metro projects are being accelerated, with around 45 kilometers of metro network completed in Kolkata during the current administration.
Vaishnaw also pointed to the introduction of services such as Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat trains in West Bengal as part of broader rail modernization efforts.
Progress on India’s First Bullet Train Project
The announcement comes as construction continues on India’s first high-speed rail corridor between Sabarmati in Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The 508-kilometre project is designed for trains operating at speeds of up to 320 kmph.
Railway officials have indicated that the inaugural run is now expected on a 100-kilometre section between Surat and Vapi in Gujarat in August 2027. Once fully operational, the corridor is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
High-Speed Rail Vision Expands
The proposed Delhi-Siliguri corridor reflects India’s broader push toward expanding high-speed rail infrastructure. While timelines and project details are yet to be finalized, the announcement signals growing momentum behind the country’s long-term rail modernization plans.
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