Big news has come out regarding the high-speed rail project in Bihar. Information has come to light that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Delhi-Varanasi-Patna-Siliguri Corridor has been submitted to the Railway Ministry. After the completion of this project, the people of Bihar are expected to get fast and modern rail connectivity.
Tezzbuzz Desk- Information has come to light that National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has prepared the DPR of Delhi-Varanasi High-Speed Rail Corridor and submitted it to the Railway Ministry. The process of deployment of senior technical officers to take the project forward has also started.
The central government had announced the development of seven new high-speed rail corridors in the Budget 2026-27. These also include Delhi-Varanasi and Varanasi-Siliguri corridors.
According to the plan, the distance from Delhi to Varanasi can be covered by high-speed train in about 3 hours 50 minutes. The target is to complete the journey from Varanasi to Siliguri in about 2 hours 55 minutes. The journey from Patna to Siliguri is expected to be completed in about 2 hours.
After construction of the proposed network, the journey from Delhi to Patna can be completed in about 4 hours 41 minutes and the journey from Delhi to Siliguri can be completed in about 6 hours 45 minutes. However, the final journey time will depend on the nature of the project and train operations.
Where will the train pass through in Bihar?
There is a plan for high-speed rail connectivity from Varanasi to Siliguri via Patna. The situation regarding the route in Seemanchal region of Bihar is not completely clear yet. There are discussions about making a route from Katihar or Araria-Thakurganj direction.
Only after the final DPR, survey and government approval will it be clear whether districts like Purnia, Katihar, Araria and Kishanganj will directly benefit from the high-speed rail network or not.
These cities are included in Delhi-Varanasi corridor
The possible routes are said to include cities like Delhi, Noida, Jewar, Mathura, Agra, Etawah, Kanpur, Lucknow, Rae Bareli, Prayagraj, Bhadohi and Varanasi. Aerial survey is also being done for the project with the help of LiDAR and camera system.
The government has estimated seven high-speed rail corridors with a length of about 4,000 kilometers and a potential investment of about Rs 16 lakh crore. This project can boost trade, tourism, education, health and employment opportunities in Bihar.