A proposed bullet train corridor connecting Delhi with major cities across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar could significantly cut travel times across North India. If the project materialises, passengers could travel from Delhi to Agra in just 58 minutes, reach Varanasi in around 3 hours and 33 minutes, and cover the journey to Patna in about 4.5 hours. Read on to know more.
Delhi-Patna Bullet Train Proposed
According to reports by NDTV, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared details of the proposed corridor on August 31. He said the project would connect the national capital with several major cities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The announcement came during the inauguration of the newly electrified broad-gauge rail line between Nepalganj Road, Nanpara and Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh. According to Vaishnaw, the proposed corridor would connect Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi and Patna.
The estimated travel times could significantly shorten some of the busiest routes from the national capital. The approximately 200-km journey from Delhi to Agra could take just 58 minutes, while Delhi to Kanpur could take around 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Also Read: Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train: Over 100 Km Work Complete Across Scenic Terrain, See Video
The proposed journey from Delhi to Lucknow could take approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes, while Delhi to Prayagraj could take about 3 hours. The 945-km journey from Delhi to Varanasi is estimated at 3 hours and 33 minutes. Delhi to Patna, meanwhile, could take around 4.5 hours. The proposed corridor could offer a faster alternative for passengers while improving connectivity between some of North India’s major urban and tourism centres. Faster journeys could also support tourism, business and economic activity along the route.
However, the project is still at the proposal stage. No construction timeline or funding allocation has been announced yet, so several stages will need to be cleared before work can begin.
How Fast Will India’s Bullet Trains Be?
India’s existing Vande Bharat services are semi-high-speed trains, with speeds of around 180 kmph cited for the current rail network. The country’s first dedicated high-speed rail project is the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor.
The MAHSR project has a design speed of 350 kmph and an operational speed of 320 kmph. Once fully operational, the corridor is expected to connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad in around 1 hour and 58 minutes. The first high-speed rail service is expected to begin in August 2027, with the initial section planned between Surat and Vapi.
Also Read: Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train: Thane Station To Rise 12 Metres Above Ground To Protect Mangroves
Good news for North Indian travellers.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
Is there a bullet train that will travel from Delhi to Patna?
A bullet train from Delhi to Patna is currently in the proposal stage and not yet operational or under active construction.
What is the fastest train from Delhi to Patna?
The fastest train from Delhi to Patna is the New Delhi - Rajendra Nagar T Tejas Rajdhani Express (Train No. 12310).
How much will bullet train tickets cost?
Bullet train ticket costs vary greatly depending on the country, route distance, and seat class.
