Siliguri, February 4, 2026 – In a game-changing announcement for eastern India, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed the Varanasi-Siliguri high-speed rail corridor during the Union Budget 2026-27 presentation earlier this week, promising to cut travel time between the two cities to just 2 hours and 55 minutes—a dramatic reduction from the current 12-15 hours by conventional trains.
The corridor, one of seven new high-speed rail projects outlined in the budget, will run from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh via Patna in Bihar to Siliguri in West Bengal, covering approximately 750 km at speeds of up to 350 km/h. This route will connect the sacred sites of Varanasi, the educational and commercial hubs of Patna, and Siliguri’s strategic position as the gateway to the Northeast, making it a lifeline for pilgrims, students, traders, and tourists.
“Imagine traveling from the ghats of Varanasi to the tea gardens of Siliguri in less time than a movie— this corridor will make it reality,” said railway experts, highlighting the project’s eye-catching potential to boost tourism and business. For North Bengal residents, it means faster access to major cities, reduced freight costs, and eco-friendly transport that cuts carbon emissions by promoting rail over road or air travel.
The initiative is part of a broader railway push with ₹2.78 lakh crore (approx. ₹2.78 trillion) in capital expenditure, aiming to modernize infrastructure and support urban growth. The other corridors announced include Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, Hyderabad-Chennai, Chennai-Bengaluru, and Delhi-Varanasi.
Local leaders in Siliguri have hailed the announcement as a “historic boost” for the region, potentially creating jobs and enhancing trade links with neighboring states and countries. Detailed surveys and timelines are expected soon from the Ministry of Railways.
This development positions North Bengal at the forefront of India’s high-speed rail revolution, promising faster, safer, and greener journeys for millions.
