Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposed Northern Bullet Train Corridor, which will connect Delhi to Guwahati via Siliguri, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced in Varanasi. The proposed high-speed rail project aims to transform connectivity across northern and eastern India, significantly reducing travel times between major cities.
Speaking during his visit to Varanasi to flag off the Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, Vaishnaw said the corridor would reduce the current 20-hour journey between Delhi and Siliguri to approximately six hours. The project is expected to provide faster rail connectivity across several states and improve access to important commercial, cultural and tourism centres.
The proposed corridor will cover approximately 1,500 km, passing through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal before extending into Assam. Key stations along the route will include Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Patna, Siliguri and Guwahati. The network is expected to connect major urban centres while improving regional mobility.
Vaishnaw said ticket fares would be economical and significantly lower than airfares, making high-speed rail accessible to a wider section of travellers. The proposed pricing approach is intended to encourage greater adoption of high-speed rail for intercity journeys while offering an alternative to air and conventional rail travel.
The Railway Minister also highlighted the potential economic benefits of the corridor, stating that the high-speed network would support small-scale industries and create opportunities for local businesses. Improved connectivity is expected to benefit middle-income households, young people and local artisans by facilitating mobility, trade and access to markets.
The proposed Delhi–Guwahati corridor is expected to strengthen transport links between northern and northeastern India. By connecting key cities across multiple states, the project aims to support regional economic activity and improve access to destinations along the route, including major cultural and tourism centres such as Ayodhya, Varanasi and Guwahati.