Delhi to Guwahati in 8 Hours: PM Modi Approves Bullet Train Extension
PM Modi approves the extension of the Northern bullet train corridor to Guwahati, promising travel from Delhi in under 8 hours.
In a move that promises to redefine connectivity for East India, the Central Government has approved the extension of the proposed Delhi–Siliguri high-speed rail corridor to reach Guwahati. This mega infrastructure project will now link the national capital directly to the gateway of the Northeast, potentially slashing travel time to under eight hours.
A Political Victory and a "Dream" Realized
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma celebrated the announcement with a mix of gratitude and political grit. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Chief Minister hailed the decision as a pivotal moment for the region. In a sharp swipe at the Opposition, Sarma wrote, "Isiliye, Modi kahin nahi jayega!" ("That is why Modi isn't going anywhere!").
This remark is seen as a counter to recent comments by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, following an event where an attendee suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not be stepping down anytime soon.
From Siliguri to the Northeast
The high-speed corridor was originally designed to terminate at Siliguri. However, Chief Minister Sarma had actively lobbied for its extension. In a letter dated June 7, Sarma expressed concern over the omission of Guwahati, arguing that as the region's largest economic and transportation hub, the city is the essential gateway to the Northeast.
Following a written request and a meeting with Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in July, the proposal was accepted. Sarma noted that a bullet train to Assam once seemed so far-fetched that it wasn't even a public demand, but it is now becoming a reality.
Mapping the Northern Corridor
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the 'Northern Corridor' of the bullet train network has received the Prime Minister's approval. The expansive route will connect several key cities across North and East India:
- Delhi to Agra: 59 minutes
- Delhi to Kanpur: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Delhi to Lucknow: 2 hours 12 minutes
- Delhi to Varanasi: 3 hours 33 minutes
- Delhi to Prayagraj: 33 minutes (from preceding stops)
- Final Destination: Guwahati via Patna and Siliguri
Economic Impact and Accessibility
The extension is expected to act as a catalyst for Assam's economy. Chief Minister Sarma highlighted that as the state prepares for an influx of high-tech industries, "flight-like connectivity" that remains affordable will open massive opportunities for businesses and local livelihoods.
Addressing the "Rich Man's Train" Narrative
Addressing critics who claim that high-speed rail is only for the wealthy, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw asserted that the fares will be kept economical. He emphasized that the cost of travel will be significantly lower than airfare, making it accessible to a broader section of the population.
"This is what a government that listens and delivers looks like," said CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressing his gratitude to PM Modi and Ashwini Vaishnaw for integrating the Northeast more deeply into India's growth story.