Government outlines expansion of high‑speed rail network with Delhi‑Varanasi and Varanasi‑Siliguri corridors

In the Union Budget 2026‑27 presented on Sunday, the Government of India announced plans to expand the nation’s high‑speed rail infrastructure by introducing seven new corridors. Among the routes highlighted are two major projects expected to enhance connectivity between northern and eastern parts of the country, a high‑speed line from Delhi to Varanasi and a proposed link from Varanasi to Siliguri.

The Delhi‑Varanasi high‑speed rail corridor is designed to connect the national capital with one of India’s oldest and most frequently visited cultural hubs. The roughly 865‑kilometre line would pass through key cities in Uttar Pradesh, including Noida, Agra, Mathura, Kanpur, Lucknow and Prayagraj, and will be capable of operating speeds up to 350 km/h. Under current plans, it could reduce the journey time from more than 11 hours by existing trains to approximately 3.5–4.5 hours. Managed by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited, this corridor has progressed through detailed project reports and pre‑construction planning, though land acquisition and final timeline commitments are still evolving.

Extending the high‑speed rail network eastward, the Varanasi‑Siliguri corridor was also announced, although it remains in preliminary stages. This proposed project would run through parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, potentially covering between 600 and 800 kilometres and stopping at significant regional centres such as Patna. Designed for similar high operational speeds, this link aims to create a faster connection between Varanasi and Siliguri, a strategic gateway to India’s northeastern states and could significantly cut travel times once implemented.

While proponents of the projects highlight potential benefits such as reduced carbon emissions, eased pressure on road and conventional rail systems, and increased economic activity, the timelines for construction and operationalization of these corridors have not been firmly fixed. Feasibility studies, land clearances, and financial planning remain critical steps before ground‑breaking can begin in earnest for several of these routes.