Varanasi-Siliguri High-Speed Rail Corridor to Pass Through Five Cities in Bihar; Trains to Run at 300 km/h

Patna: In a major announcement during the Union Budget on Sunday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the proposed Varanasi–Siliguri High-Speed Rail Corridor, which is set to pass through Bihar and is expected to be a game-changer for the state’s connectivity and economic development.

The corridor, part of seven high-speed rail projects announced across the country, is estimated to cover approximately 700 kilometres, linking key regions of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. Experts say the corridor will significantly reduce travel time for both passengers and freight services, boosting efficiency and convenience.

Route Through Bihar
In Bihar, the high-speed corridor will pass through major railway hubs, including Buxar, Ara, Patna, Katihar, and Kishanganj. Railway experts estimate that trains on this corridor will operate at speeds of up to 300 km per hour, greatly improving the speed and efficiency of rail travel. Bihar is expected to be among the largest beneficiaries, with cities like Patna and Katihar emerging as major centres along the route.

Boost to Economy, Tourism, and Services
Former Chief Executive Director of the Railway Board, A.K. Chandra, said the corridor would not only make travel more convenient but also open new avenues for economic growth. “High-speed rail has long been a much-needed infrastructure project for the region,” he noted. Chandra added that Indian Railways is simultaneously working on laying third and fourth tracks on the DDU–Patna–Jha Jha main line, with an estimated cost of ₹17,000 crore, aimed at easing congestion on one of the country’s busiest rail routes.

According to officials, the combined impact of the high-speed corridor and additional tracks will ensure smoother operations, fewer delays, and enhanced network efficiency. The project is expected to reduce travel times between key locations in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, boosting tourism, trade, and access to education and healthcare facilities.

A Railway Board official also noted that improved connectivity will make cities such as Varanasi, Patna, and Siliguri more accessible, supporting growth in the hospitality and tourism sectors.