Delhi to Agra in 59 minutes, Delhi-Varanasi in 3.5 hours: Centre approves new bullet train corridor
India's high-speed rail network is set for a major expansion, with the government approving the Northern Bullet Train Corridor, a project expected to significantly reduce travel times between Delhi and several major cities in Uttar Pradesh.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval, saying the proposed corridor would transform connectivity across northern India.
Under the proposed travel schedule, passengers could travel from Delhi to Agra in just 59 minutes, while the journey between Delhi and Varanasi could take approximately three-and-a-half hours.
"The Prime Minister has approved the north corridor of the bullet train, which will change the lives of many," Vaishnaw said while speaking ahead of flagging off the new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express services between Varanasi and New Delhi.
He added that the project would benefit young people, middle-income families and artisans working in small-scale industries.
"The vision for the bullet train shared by the Prime Minister will greatly benefit the youth, the middle-income group, and artisans in small-scale industries. People will remember Prime Minister Modi for the next 100 years for this initiative," the Railway Minister said.
Delhi-Agra in 59 minutes: Proposed bullet train travel times
The proposed Northern Bullet Train Corridor is expected to connect several important cities, significantly cutting journey times for passengers.
According to the proposed schedule, the travel times will be:
Delhi to Agra: 59 minutes
Delhi to Kanpur: 1 hour 45 minutes
Delhi to Lucknow: 2 hours 12 minutes
Lucknow to Varanasi: 1 hour 21 minutes
Varanasi to Delhi: 3 hours 35 minutes
The network is expected to improve connectivity between the national capital and major commercial, industrial and cultural centres in Uttar Pradesh, with further connectivity towards eastern India.
'Make in India' focus for bullet train project
Vaishnaw said the Northern Bullet Train Corridor would be developed entirely using indigenous engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
From the construction of pillars to the installation of girders, the project will rely heavily on Indian technology, domestic expertise and local manpower.
"The construction is progressing rapidly. It will be fully 'Make in India', built by the youth and welders of India," Vaishnaw said.
The project is also expected to create opportunities for skilled workers, engineers and businesses associated with the railway and infrastructure sectors.
Delhi-Varanasi bullet train to take 3.5 hours: Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also welcomed the proposed bullet train connectivity, saying a plan had been prepared to operate a high-speed train between Delhi and Varanasi.
"This will allow the journey from Delhi to Varanasi to be covered in 3.5 hours - a mode of travel that will be simpler, more convenient, and more affordable than flying," Adityanath said.
He also highlighted the modernisation of railway infrastructure across Uttar Pradesh, pointing to the redevelopment of 157 railway stations in the state.
Adityanath said Varanasi's railway station had undergone significant modernisation, reflecting the city's cultural identity while incorporating contemporary facilities.
Railway Budget for Uttar Pradesh increased: Vaishnaw
Vaishnaw also highlighted the increase in railway allocations for Uttar Pradesh under the current state government.
Criticising the previous allocation levels, the minister said railway funding for the state had increased substantially after Yogi Adityanath became Chief Minister.
"After Yogi Adityanath became the Chief Minister of UP, the budget has increased significantly; it has doubled, tripled, and then increased by 18 times. Today, UP is receiving a budget of Rs 20,000 crore," Vaishnaw said.
When will the Northern Bullet Train Corridor become operational?
While the government has announced approval of the Northern Bullet Train Corridor, further details regarding construction schedules, project completion timelines, station locations and ticket prices are awaited.
The proposed network is expected to bring major cities across northern India closer through faster rail connectivity, potentially changing the way people travel for work, business and leisure.
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