The dream of high-speed rail connectivity for Bihar is moving forward with the proposed Delhi-Howrah Bullet Train corridor. Once operational, this train will reduce the travel time between Delhi and Patna from the current 13-14 hours to just about 4 hours. The National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) is currently conducting surveys for this route.
Which stations in Bihar will get Bullet Train stops?
The proposed route covers a total distance of 1,669 km. In Bihar, the main station is planned near Phulwari Sharif in Patna. Other potential stops include Buxar, Arrah, Jehanabad, Gaya, and Kiul. The tracks will be fully elevated and separate from the existing railway lines to ensure high speed.
What is the timeline for the project?
The survey for the Bihar section is expected to be completed by July 2025. The project is planned in phases. Phase 1 will connect Delhi to Varanasi via Lucknow and Ayodhya, targeting completion by 2029. Phase 2 will extend from Varanasi to Howrah through Patna. Construction dates have not been announced yet.
Estimated Cost and Speed Details
The train is designed to run at a speed of 350 km/h. The total estimated cost of the project is around ₹5 lakh crore. While the exact ticket prices are not released, the land acquisition process will follow government norms, offering compensation at 4 times the circle rate in rural areas.
