The Delhi-Varanasi corridor dedicated high-speed line has been in planning for years. Spanning approximately 865 km, it will link the national capital directly to the spiritual heart of Varanasi. The route passes through key Uttar Pradesh cities like Noida, Agra, Mathura, Kanpur, Lucknow and Prayagraj, with 12-13 stations planned. Designed for speeds up to 350 km/h, it promises to slash the current 11–12-hour journey to just 3.5-4.5 hours. To be managed by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), the detailed project report (DPR) has long been submitted, incorporating ridership forecasts, environmental assessments, and land studies. The corridor aims to boost pilgrimage tourism, business travel in eastern Uttar Pradesh, and regional economic development while easing pressure on overburdened roads and airports. Complementing this is the newly proposed Varanasi-Siliguri corridor, which extends high-speed connectivity eastward from Varanasi through Bihar and northern West Bengal to Siliguri—the strategic ‘Chicken’s Neck’ gateway to Northeast India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Though details remain preliminary as it’s a fresh announcement, the route is expected to cover 600-800 km, potentially via major hubs like Patna, and operate at 320-350 km/h. It will integrate eastern states into the national high-speed grid, enhancing long-distance mobility, trade, and access to the Northeast’s emerging economies. “Together, these corridors form a vital north-to-east chain, promoting environmentally sustainable travel, reducing carbon emissions, and unlocking tourism, pilgrimage, and commerce. While Delhi-Varanasi advances toward land acquisition and construction (targeted completion around 2041), Varanasi-Siliguri awaits detailed feasibility studies. This vision marks a bold step in modernizing India’s transport landscape, connecting cultural landmarks with frontier regions for inclusive growth,” said an official source.
