Work on Siliguri–Varanasi Bullet Train Corridor to Begin in July 2026

A major infrastructure development could soon transform connectivity across Eastern India, with survey work for the proposed Siliguri–Varanasi Bullet Train Corridor scheduled to begin in July 2026.

The ambitious high-speed rail project is expected to become the first bullet train corridor in East India, connecting West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh through a faster and more efficient transport network.

Once operational, the corridor could significantly reduce travel time between key cities. The proposed journey from Siliguri to Varanasi via Patna is expected to take just 2 hours and 55 minutes, offering a major leap in inter-state mobility and regional connectivity.

According to officials, the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) has already formed a survey team for the project. Both aerial and ground surveys are expected to begin in July 2026 to determine the exact alignment, route feasibility, and technical requirements of the corridor.

The survey phase is a crucial step in preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR), which is targeted for completion by March 2027. The DPR will include technical planning, estimated costs, route alignment, land requirements, and execution details. Construction work is expected to begin only after the report is finalized and receives necessary approvals.

The proposed corridor is likely to play an important role in improving passenger mobility, boosting trade, tourism, and economic activity across Eastern India. Improved high-speed connectivity between cities in West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh could also open up new opportunities for investment and regional development.

If implemented as planned, the Siliguri–Varanasi high-speed rail corridor could mark a historic milestone in India’s railway infrastructure and bring Eastern India into the country’s growing bullet train network.