Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has unveiled a proposed bullet train corridor connecting Delhi and Siliguri via Lucknow, Varanasi, and Patna. The ambitious project aims to drastically reduce travel time from the current 20 hours to just six hours, significantly enhancing connectivity to the Northeast region.
Details of the Bullet Train Corridor
During his visit to Kolkata, Vaishnaw announced that the high-speed rail corridor is part of the government's broader plan to modernize India's railway infrastructure. The Delhi-Siliguri route will pass through key cities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, providing a major boost to economic development and regional integration. The project is expected to be executed with state-of-the-art technology, similar to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor.
Ongoing Railway Projects in West Bengal
Vaishnaw highlighted that railway projects worth over Rs 1 lakh crore are currently underway in West Bengal. These include new lines, doubling of tracks, electrification, and station redevelopment. He emphasized the Centre's commitment to improving rail connectivity in the state, which is crucial for the region's growth.
The Minister accused the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of delaying infrastructure projects, alleging that political considerations hindered progress. He stated that the current state government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has shown a cooperative approach.
Chief Minister's Pledge for Land Support
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who was present at the event, pledged full support from the state government, including land acquisition for the bullet train project. He assured closer cooperation with the Centre to expedite infrastructure development in West Bengal.
Adhikari said, "We are committed to providing all necessary assistance to ensure that these projects are completed on time. The people of West Bengal will benefit greatly from improved rail connectivity."
The announcement comes amid growing focus on infrastructure development in the Northeast, with the bullet train corridor expected to boost trade, tourism, and mobility. The project is still in the planning stage, with feasibility studies and detailed project reports to be prepared.
