Prelims: Current events of national and international importance| Economy
Why in News?
Recently Prime Minister has approved the proposed northern bullet train corridor connecting Delhi with Guwahati through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.
About
- Route – Delhi–Agra–Kanpur–Lucknow–Ayodhya–Varanasi–Prayagraj–Patna–Siliguri–Guwahati.
- States covered – Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, connecting northern India with the Northeast.
- Project objective – To establish high-speed rail connectivity and reduce travel time between major cities.
- Indigenous development – The project is proposed to be built under the Make in India initiative, involving Indian engineers and workers.
- Project status – Approved by the Prime Minister, detailed project cost and completion deadline have not been announced.
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Proposed Travel Time
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Route
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Projected travel time
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Delhi–Agra
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59 minutes
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Delhi–Kanpur
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1 hour 45 minutes
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Delhi–Lucknow
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2 hours 12 minutes
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Lucknow–Varanasi
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1 hour 21 minutes
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Delhi–Varanasi
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3 hours 35 minutes
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- Significance
- Regional connectivity – Expected to improve connectivity between northern and northeastern India.
- Economic development – May support trade, tourism, employment and regional economic activities.
- Indigenous manufacturing – Promotes domestic engineering and construction capabilities under Make in India.
- Passenger mobility – Expected to reduce travel time and provide faster alternatives to road and air transport.
Related Railway Developments
- Ten Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) services were announced in and around Varanasi to improve commuter connectivity.
- A daily MEMU service between Varanasi and Prayagraj will connect several intermediate stations.
- Modernisation of railway stations in Uttar Pradesh was also highlighted, with 157 stations reportedly upgraded.
Reference
Telegraph Online| PM Modi approves northern bullet train corridor
