Kolkata, June 8 (APAC Media): Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a major rail infrastructure initiative for West Bengal, unveiling plans for a high-speed bullet train corridor connecting Delhi and Siliguri.Â
The proposed project is expected to reduce travel time between the two cities from nearly 20 hours to just six hours.
The proposed corridor will connect Delhi and Siliguri via key cities including Lucknow, Varanasi, and Patna, making it India’s second bullet train project after the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, which is expected to become operational next year.
Speaking during his visit to Kolkata, Vaishnaw said the project would significantly improve connectivity between northern India and the northeastern region.Â
Siliguri serves as the gateway to the Northeast, making the proposed corridor strategically important for both passenger mobility and regional development.
The Railway Minister also highlighted the scale of ongoing railway investments in West Bengal, stating that projects worth over ₹1 lakh crore are currently under implementation in the state.
During the visit, Vaishnaw reviewed railway projects and travelled on the Kolkata Metro, India’s only metro system fully owned and operated by the Indian Railways.Â
He announced that the metro network will receive 60 new-generation trains over the next five years to strengthen urban mobility in the city.
The minister further informed that 102 railway stations across West Bengal are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The initiative aims to modernise station infrastructure, improve passenger amenities, and enhance the overall travel experience.
The announcement of the Delhi-Siliguri bullet train corridor marks a significant step in India’s high-speed rail ambitions and is expected to strengthen connectivity, facilitate faster travel, and support economic development across multiple states.
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