Bullet Train to Connect Varanasi-Siliguri via Patna, Journey Time Slashed to 3 Hours

• Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced India's first bullet train route will pass through Bihar, connecting Varanasi to Siliguri.
• The high-speed corridor will significantly reduce travel time from 14-18 hours to less than 3 hours, with speeds of 300-350 km/h.
• The project is expected to boost business, trade, tourism, and create employment opportunities in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
• This is one of 7 new bullet train corridors planned across the country, with a record capital expenditure of 2.93 lakh crore rupees allocated for Indian Railways in Budget 2026-27.
• The project is currently in the planning phase, but its inclusion in Budget 2026 signifies a major step for Bihar's rail connectivity and development.

Why It Matters: India's first bullet train will link Varanasi and Siliguri via Patna, drastically cutting travel time and boosting regional economy.