India’s high-speed rail network is set to expand further, with the proposed Delhi-Siliguri bullet train corridor emerging as a major project for improving connectivity between northern, eastern and northeastern India. The first bullet train in the country is scheduled to begin operations on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor from August 15 next year, marking a major step forward for India’s bullet train programme that was launched in 2017.
The proposed Delhi-Siliguri high-speed rail route is expected to significantly reduce travel time. A journey that currently takes around 20 hours or more could potentially be completed in nearly six to seven hours once the bullet train corridor becomes operational.
865-Km Delhi-Siliguri High-Speed Rail Corridor
The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Railway Ministry for the proposed 865-km Delhi-Siliguri route. The corridor is planned to pass through important cities including Varanasi and Patna, creating a faster rail connection between Delhi and the Northeast.
Under the proposal, the distance of approximately 756 km between Delhi and Varanasi could be covered in about 3 hours and 50 minutes. At present, the same journey generally takes around 11 to 12 hours.
The proposed Varanasi-Patna-Siliguri section would cover roughly 744 km. Travel between Varanasi and Siliguri could take about 2 hours and 55 minutes, while the journey from Patna to Siliguri could be reduced to approximately 2 hours.
Delhi to Patna and Siliguri Travel Time
The proposed high-speed rail corridor could bring a substantial reduction in journey times across several major routes. The Delhi-Patna journey, which currently takes around 12 to 14 hours, could be completed in approximately 4 hours and 41 minutes through the bullet train network.
Similarly, travel between Delhi and Siliguri could fall from the existing 20 to 24 hours to around 6 hours and 45 minutes.
The project is therefore expected to create a faster connection between major cities in northern and eastern India while improving access towards the northeastern region.
Bihar to Get Better High-Speed Rail Connectivity
The Delhi-Siliguri Bullet Train High-Speed Corridor is also expected to strengthen rail connectivity across Bihar. The proposed route would pass through key locations such as Buxar, Ara and Patna before continuing towards Siliguri.
According to Railway Board officials, the corridor would provide an important high-speed rail link for eastern India and improve access to the Northeast. Better connectivity could also support economic and industrial activity in Bihar by making travel between major cities faster and more convenient.
Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is based on the details available in the stated project proposal and related reports. Project plans, routes, timelines and travel estimates may change as the authorities complete further assessments and approvals. Readers should refer to official announcements from the Ministry of Railways and concerned railway authorities for the latest updates.