Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the development of a significant bullet train corridor connecting Delhi to Guwahati, a project that railway officials say will dramatically reduce travel times across Northern and Eastern India. The announcement, made by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, signifies a major push for high-speed rail infrastructure in the country, with a strong emphasis on domestic manufacturing.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given his assent to the north corridor of the bullet train project. Vaishnaw highlighted that the entire construction process, from pillars to girders, will be executed within India, underscoring a commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
“The construction is progressing rapidly. It will be fully ‘Make in India’, built by the youth and welders of India,” Vaishnaw stated during an event where he also flagged off new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express services between Varanasi and New Delhi. He further elaborated that the vision for the bullet train, championed by the Prime Minister, is expected to greatly benefit the youth, middle-income groups, and artisans involved in small-scale industries, predicting it will be a legacy project remembered for a century.
The approved north corridor is slated to link a series of major cities, including Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Patna, and Siliguri, with a planned extension to Guwahati. This expansive network aims to connect key economic and cultural hubs across multiple states.
According to the details provided by the Railway Minister, the project promises substantial reductions in journey durations. The travel time from Delhi to Agra is projected to be a mere 59 minutes. Similarly, the journey from Delhi to Kanpur is expected to take 1 hour and 45 minutes, while the Delhi to Lucknow route will be covered in 2 hours and 12 minutes. Furthering the connectivity, the Lucknow to Varanasi leg is anticipated to take 1 hour and 21 minutes, and the Varanasi to Delhi journey will be completed in 3 hours and 35 minutes.
In anticipation of the high-speed rail link, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath confirmed that a plan is in place to operate a bullet train between Delhi and Varanasi. He projected that this service would enable travel between the two cities in approximately 3.5 hours, offering a more convenient and potentially more affordable alternative to air travel. Adityanath also highlighted the modernization of railway infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, noting that 157 stations have been upgraded to feature amenities comparable to airport VIP lounges, reflecting the cultural essence of cities like Kashi.
During the event, Vaishnaw also took the opportunity to critique the budgetary allocations for Uttar Pradesh’s railway development under previous governments. He contrasted the current budget of Rs 20,000 crore for UP with the Rs 1,000 crore allocated when the Samajwadi Party was in power in the state and the Congress was at the Centre. He accused the two parties of neglecting the state’s development, referencing specific leaders and stating that justice is now being delivered to Uttar Pradesh under the current administration.
In addition to the bullet train project, Vaishnaw announced the launch of 10 MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) services in Varanasi. These services are intended to improve intra-city transport and connectivity within the expanding urban landscape of Varanasi. The MEMU routes will cover key areas such as Banaras City, Banaras Cantt, Banaras Station, and Rajatalab, operating throughout the day to facilitate travel for residents, traders, visitors, and pilgrims.
A new MEMU service will also connect Varanasi with Prayagraj, with its route passing through Jhusi, Handia Khas, Gyanpur Road, Madhosingh, and Rajatalab. These services are designed to provide daily connectivity between the two significant cities in Uttar Pradesh.
Vaishnaw also referenced the positive reception of the Kolkata-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper train, noting that international media and critics, including those from the Eurostar and BBC, had traveled on it and subsequently praised its quality and efficiency after reporting on it.
The Chenab Times News Desk