PM Modi Approves Northern Bullet Train Corridor Linking Delhi to Guwahati via Siliguri

Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the **Northern Bullet Train Corridor**, which will connect Delhi to Guwahati via Siliguri. Union Railway Minister **Ashwini Vaishnaw** announced this milestone in Varanasi while flagging off the **Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express**.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Travel Time & Distance:

- Spans approximately **1,500 km** across northern and eastern India.

- Drastically slashes the travel time between Delhi and Siliguri from 20 hours to **just 6 hours**.

- Route & Key Stations:

- Passes through key cities in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.

- **Key Stations:** Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Patna, Siliguri, and Guwahati.

- Economic Impact & Ticket Fares:

- Fares will be highly economical and significantly cheaper than air travel.

- Designed to boost local small-scale industries and directly benefit middle-income households, youth, and artisans.

Static GK Facts:

- High-Speed Rail in India:

- India's First Bullet Train Project: **Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR)** (508 km).

- Executing Agency: **National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL)**.

- NHSRCL Formed: **2016** | Headquarters: **New Delhi**.

- Ministry of Railways:

- Union Cabinet Minister: **Ashwini Vaishnaw**.

- Chairperson & CEO, Railway Board: **Jaya Varma Sinha** (First woman to head Railway Board).

- Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR Zone):

- Headquarters: **Maligaon, Guwahati, Assam**.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Which northeastern city will be connected to Delhi via Siliguri under the newly approved Northern Bullet Train Corridor?

A: Guwahati, Assam

Q: What is the approximate length of the proposed Northern Bullet Train Corridor spanning UP, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam?

A: Approximately 1,500 km

Q: What is the executing nodal body responsible for implementing High-Speed Rail corridors in India?

A: National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL)

Q: Who is the current Union Minister of Railways who announced the Northern Bullet Train Corridor in Varanasi?

A: Ashwini Vaishnaw

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