Delhi-Guwahati bullet train corridor approved by Prime Minister
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the corridor will connect major cities including Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patna and Siliguri.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the North bullet train corridor, which will connect Delhi with Guwahati, according to The Indian Express.
Speaking on Saturday during the launch of the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper train, Vaishnaw said the corridor will include stations at Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patna and Siliguri.
The minister stated that bullet train fares would be lower than airfares and would be affordable for poor and middle-class families. He noted that work is progressing rapidly with priority given to the Make in India initiative.
Vaishnaw shared estimated travel times, stating the journey from Delhi to Agra would take 59 minutes, Delhi to Kanpur around 1 hour 45 minutes, and Delhi to Lucknow 2 hours 12 minutes. Varanasi to Delhi is expected to take about 3 hours 33 minutes.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the extension to Guwahati on Sunday, noting the journey between Guwahati and Delhi could take less than eight hours. Sarma said the corridor was initially planned to end at Siliguri.
Sarma stated that following his written request and a meeting with Vaishnaw in July, the minister approved the extension into the Northeast. He said the connectivity would create opportunities for businesses as Assam prepares to attract high-tech industries.