India approves second bullet train corridor linking Delhi to Varanasi

India's ambitious high-speed rail expansion has moved forward with government approval of the Delhi-Varanasi-Guwahati bullet train corridor, marking the nation's second such project following the ongoing Mumbai-Ahmedabad line.

The new corridor will significantly slash travel time between the national capital and the holy city of Varanasi, bringing the journey duration down to approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes compared to current rail and road options that require substantially longer travel periods.

The approval comes as India accelerates its modernization of rail infrastructure, with the Delhi-Varanasi-Guwahati route expected to enhance connectivity across the eastern and central regions of the country. The project is projected to boost economic activity and tourism along the corridor, particularly benefiting Varanasi, a major spiritual and cultural destination.

The development is part of the government's broader push to establish high-speed rail networks across India. The corridor's implementation timeline will depend on various factors including land acquisition, environmental clearances, and detailed project planning by relevant authorities. The project joins several other proposed high-speed rail initiatives at various stages of planning and approval.