Centre approves bullet train corridor extension to Guwahati
The extension of the northern high-speed rail corridor could reduce travel time between Guwahati and New Delhi to under eight hours.
The Centre has approved the extension of the proposed northern bullet train corridor to Guwahati, according to reports by The Assam Tribune, ANI and Business Today. The decision will potentially bring the travel time between the Assam capital and New Delhi to less than eight hours.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval in Varanasi on Saturday, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had cleared the northern corridor. The minister said the project would be a 'Make in India' initiative and would connect Delhi to cities including Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Patna, Siliguri and Guwahati.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the news on Sunday, noting that the route was originally intended to end at Siliguri. Sarma said the extension followed a written request and a meeting with Vaishnaw in July.
The Chief Minister stated that the high-speed connectivity would support Assam's preparation for new high-tech industries and create opportunities for businesses and livelihoods. He described the development as a pivotal moment for East India.
Vaishnaw provided several estimated journey times, including 59 minutes for Delhi to Agra and three hours and 35 minutes for Varanasi to Delhi. A specific journey-time estimate for the Guwahati to Delhi section was not provided.