Vaishnaw outlines travel times for proposed Northern Corridor bullet train
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the high-speed rail project will reduce journey durations between major northern cities.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday detailed the expected travel-time reductions for the proposed Northern Corridor bullet train network. The corridor, which has been approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to connect Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and eventually Guwahati.
Vaishnaw said the project would benefit passengers, businesses, and the economy for decades. He noted that the high-speed service would assist middle-class families, young people, and MSME businesses.
Under the plan, the journey from Delhi to Agra would take 59 minutes, while the trip to Kanpur would take 1 hour 45 minutes. Travel between Delhi and Lucknow is expected to take 2 hours 12 minutes.
The Minister stated that Varanasi to Patna would take one hour, and Varanasi to Delhi would take 3 hours 33 minutes. Other proposed timings include 33 minutes from Varanasi to Prayagraj and 2 hours 34 minutes from Varanasi to Agra.
Vaishnaw also mentioned that Vande Bharat Sleeper trains would improve overnight connectivity for long-distance travellers. He said these trains would allow passengers to travel between Banaras and Delhi overnight.
Additionally, the Minister said Kashi railway station is being developed into a major transport hub. The station will feature a waiting area for over 50,000 passengers and will connect with the Namo bridge.