Top News

Bullet Train Update: Big news for everyone. The journey from Delhi to Varanasi, which currently takes 8 to 12 hours, could soon be completed in just 4 hours. The Railway Board has given the green light to the construction of the Delhi-Varanasi high-speed rail corridor. If everything goes according to plan, ground work on this bullet train route is expected to begin in the next two to three months.

Blueprint for 7 new bullet train corridors ready

To boost the country’s economy, the government has decided to build seven high-speed rail corridors. In the recent budget, the Finance Minister estimated a massive investment of Rs 16 lakh crore for these projects. Trains will run at speeds of 250 to 350 kilometers per hour on these state-of-the-art railway tracks, significantly reducing distances between metropolitan cities.

Why is the government’s special focus on the Delhi-Varanasi route?

Work on the Delhi-Varanasi Corridor is set to begin first. The National High-Speed ​​Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has expedited the process of establishing regional offices for this project. The 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections are believed to be a major reason behind this. Varanasi is the Prime Minister’s parliamentary constituency, so this project, which provides relief to the general public, is being given priority.

Which cities will this high-speed train pass through?

The detailed project report (DPR) for this over 840-kilometre route has been submitted to the Railway Board. The bullet train will depart from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi and reach Varanasi via Noida, Jewar Airport, Mathura, Agra, Lucknow, and Prayagraj. A total of 13 to 14 stations will be built along this route. Laser surveys are currently underway to determine the exact construction cost.

Strict instructions from the Railway Board

The Railway Board has issued clear instructions to expedite work on all seven corridors. Pre-construction activities such as land acquisition, design, and tendering have been directed to be completed expeditiously. Reports for six of the seven projects are ready, while survey work on the Varanasi-Siliguri corridor is progressing rapidly. Additionally, weekly project progress reports will now be submitted to the Board.

Technical standards will be maintained uniformly for all these high-speed rail projects. To achieve this, technically trained staff, including railway employees, are being assessed. The Railway Board has yet to make a final decision on which country’s technology will be used for this important project: Germany, France, or Russia.