Varanasi–Siliguri High-Speed Rail Corridor
| Varanasi–Siliguri High-Speed Rail Corridor | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Status | Proposed |
| Owner | Indian Railways |
| Locale | |
| Termini | |
| Stations | To be announced |
| Service | |
| Type | High-speed rail |
| Operator(s) | National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited |
| Depot(s) | To be announced |
| Rolling stock | To be determined |
| History | |
| Announced | 2026 |
| DPR approval | To be announced |
| Technical | |
| Number of tracks | 2 (proposed) |
| Character | Fully grade-separated (proposed) |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
| Electrification | 25 kV 50 Hz AC (Overhead lines) (proposed) |
The Varanasi–Siliguri High-Speed Rail Corridor is a proposed high-speed rail line in India that will connect Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Siliguri in West Bengal, passing through Bihar. The project was announced in the Union Budget 2026–27 as part of plans to expand high-speed rail in eastern India. The corridor aims to reduce travel time between major cities, improve connectivity, and support economic development along its route. As of 2026, the detailed alignment, stations, and construction timeline are not yet final.[1][2]
Proposed route
The exact route and stations have not been officially confirmed. The Ministry of Railways has said that the corridor will pass through Bihar, via Patna. Other station stops and the full alignment have not been made public.[3][4][5][6]
According to media reports and local discussions, it is expected that the bullet train may run along the Buxar – Patna – Begusarai – Naugachia – Katihar – Kishanganj route. This possible route would connect important towns in North Bihar and North Bengal with the high-speed rail network.
- Note: The route is tentative and may change when the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is finalized.
Background
India has been working to expand its high-speed rail network. After the Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor, several new corridors were announced to improve travel between major cities. The Varanasi–Siliguri corridor is planned to strengthen connectivity in eastern India and provide faster train services across the region.
History
The corridor was first announced in the Union Budget 2026–27. The project is currently in the planning stage. Feasibility studies and the DPR are still being prepared, and construction has not started yet.[7][8]
Objectives
- Reduce travel time between eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and northern West Bengal.
- Connect towns in north Bihar and north Bengal to the high-speed rail network.
- Support economic growth and regional development.
- Improve access to education, healthcare, and jobs.
Current status
As of 2026, the project is in the proposal stage. No construction has started yet. The DPR and final alignment are yet to be released.[9]
See also
References
- ^ "Union Budget 2026: India to develop 7 high‑speed rail corridors". NDTV. 1 February 2026.
- ^ "Budget 2026 proposes seven high‑speed rail corridors linking growth cities". Business Standard. 1 February 2026.
- ^ "Kashi on fast track with 2 high‑speed rail corridors". Times of India. 2 February 2026.
- ^ "Siliguri‑Varanasi rail link: North Bengal eyes tourism boost". Times of India. 2 February 2026.
- ^ "Union Budget 2026: FM Sitharaman announces development plans including high‑speed rail". IndiaTimes. 1 February 2026.
- ^ "Budget 2026: Delhi‑Varanasi again in spotlight as new high‑speed rail corridors are announced". Navbharat Times. 1 February 2026.
- ^ "Budget 2026: FM Sitharaman announces seven new high‑speed rail corridors; check list". Business Today. 1 February 2026.
- ^ "Aaj Tak: Union Budget 2026 announces 7 high‑speed rail corridors". Aaj Tak. 1 February 2026.
- ^ "Budget 2026 includes plans for Varanasi‑Siliguri high‑speed rail". Upstox News. 1 February 2026.