The Railway Board has officially directed the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) to update the Detailed Project Reports for the new Varanasi-Siliguri High-Speed Rail Corridor. This move follows the recent announcements in the Union Budget 2026-27. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary stated that this project will bring world-class connectivity to the state under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Which cities in Bihar will the bullet train cover?
The proposed corridor spans approximately 750 kilometers connecting Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Siliguri in West Bengal. The train is expected to run at an operating speed of 300 km/h to 350 km/h. This high speed will bring down the travel time between the two terminal cities from the current 14-18 hours to less than 3 hours. The route includes significant stops across Bihar.
- Buxar
- Arrah
- Patna
- Mokama
- Maner
- Katihar
- Kishanganj
How will the track infrastructure be built in Patna?
A modern bullet train station will be constructed within a 15 to 20 km radius of Patna city to ensure easy access without increasing city traffic. In areas with high population density, the tracks will be elevated to a height of approximately 40 feet. Reports indicate that the administration plans to cover these tracks with bulletproof glass or high-security shielding to ensure safety and reduce noise levels for nearby residents.
