In the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, presented on Sunday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed an ambitious plan to expand India's high-speed rail network. The announcement includes seven new corridors designed to act as powerful growth connectors, building on the momentum of the ongoing Mumbai-Ahmedabad project.
Delhi-Varanasi High-Speed Rail Corridor: A Game-Changer for Northern India
Among the newly announced routes, the Delhi-Varanasi high-speed rail project stands out for its potential to revolutionize connectivity. This dedicated line, which has been in planning for several years, spans approximately 865 kilometers and will directly link the national capital with the spiritual hub of Varanasi.
Route and Stations
The corridor will pass through key cities in Uttar Pradesh, including Noida, Agra, Mathura, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Prayagraj. Plans indicate that 12 to 13 stations will be established along this route to facilitate seamless travel.
Speed and Journey Time Reduction
Designed to operate at speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour, this high-speed rail line promises to dramatically cut travel time. Currently, the journey between Delhi and Varanasi takes 11 to 12 hours, but with this new infrastructure, it is expected to be reduced to just 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
Management and Development
The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) will oversee the project. A detailed project report has already been submitted, incorporating comprehensive ridership forecasts, environmental assessments, and land acquisition studies.
Economic and Social Impact
This corridor aims to boost pilgrimage tourism, enhance business travel in eastern Uttar Pradesh, and spur regional economic development. Additionally, it is expected to alleviate pressure on overburdened roads and airports, offering a more sustainable travel option.
Varanasi-Siliguri High-Speed Rail Corridor: Bridging the East
Complementing the Delhi-Varanasi route is the newly proposed Varanasi-Siliguri corridor. This project extends high-speed connectivity eastward from Varanasi through Bihar and northern West Bengal, reaching Siliguri—a strategic gateway often referred to as the 'Chicken's Neck.'
Strategic Importance
Siliguri serves as a crucial link to Northeast India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. By integrating eastern states into the national high-speed rail grid, this corridor aims to enhance long-distance mobility, foster trade, and improve access to the emerging economies of the Northeast.
Preliminary Details
As a fresh announcement, specific details are still preliminary. However, the route is expected to cover between 600 and 800 kilometers, potentially passing through major hubs like Patna. Operating speeds are projected to range from 320 to 350 kilometers per hour.
Broader Vision and Future Steps
Together, these corridors form a vital north-to-east chain, promoting environmentally sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions. They are poised to unlock new opportunities in tourism, pilgrimage, and commerce.
Project Timelines
While the Delhi-Varanasi corridor is advancing toward land acquisition and construction, with a targeted completion around 2041, the Varanasi-Siliguri route awaits detailed feasibility studies. This phased approach ensures careful planning and execution.
Official Perspective
An official source emphasized that this vision marks a bold step in modernizing India's transport landscape. By connecting cultural landmarks with frontier regions, these projects aim to drive inclusive growth and transform the nation's infrastructure.
The expansion of high-speed rail networks under Budget 2026-27 reflects a commitment to enhancing connectivity, reducing emissions, and fostering economic development across diverse regions of India.
