New Delhi – Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled plans for seven new high-speed rail corridors during the presentation of the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament today, with the Varanasi-Siliguri route set to enhance connectivity in eastern and northeastern India.
Describing the corridors as “growth connectors,” Sitharaman emphasized their role in promoting environmentally sustainable passenger systems and supporting rapid urban expansion. The Varanasi-Siliguri corridor, in particular, will extend high-speed links deep into the region, with Siliguri serving as a gateway to the Northeast and Varanasi as a major cultural hub.
The full list of proposed corridors includes:
– Mumbai–Pune
– Pune–Hyderabad
– Hyderabad–Bengaluru
– Hyderabad–Chennai
– Chennai–Bengaluru
– Delhi–Varanasi
– Varanasi–Siliguri
These routes focus on linking major metros with fast-growing cities and industrial centers, aiming to integrate eastern states into India’s expanding high-speed rail network. The announcement aligns with a broader railway push, including a ₹2.75 trillion capital expenditure allocation and initiatives like Kavach 4.0 for safety.
Currently, India has one high-speed rail project under construction between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The new corridors could add around 4,000 km to the network, positioning India as the country with the second-largest high-speed rail system globally.
Experts view this as a step toward boosting economic growth through better connectivity, though details on timelines, funding, and implementation are yet to be specified. The budget’s focus on infrastructure has been welcomed by industry leaders, who see it as a blueprint for long-term development.
