West Bengal to get Bullet Train as centre announces major rail infrastructure push

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled a major railway infrastructure package for West Bengal, including a proposed bullet train corridor linking Delhi and Siliguri. The project is expected to significantly cut travel time between the two cities and strengthen connectivity with eastern and northeastern India.

Speaking during his visit to Kolkata, Vaishnaw said the high-speed rail line would pass through Lucknow, Varanasi and Patna before reaching Siliguri. The proposed corridor is expected to reduce travel time from nearly 20 hours to around six hours, making it India's second bullet train project after the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route.

The minister said railway projects worth over Rs 1 lakh crore are currently being implemented across West Bengal. He also announced that Kolkata Metro will receive 60 new-generation trains over the next five years, while 102 railway stations in the state are being modernised under the Amrit Bharat Scheme.

Highlighting recent infrastructure progress, Vaishnaw said Kolkata Metro has witnessed significant expansion over the past decade, with several new stretches becoming operational. He added that the Centre remains committed to accelerating transportation and connectivity projects in the state.

The announcement forms part of a broader strategy to modernise India's rail network and improve regional connectivity. The proposed bullet train corridor is expected to boost economic activity, tourism and trade while providing faster travel options for passengers across northern and eastern India.