59 minutes to Agra, 1 hr 45 mins to Kanpur! India's new bullet train plan has a big surprise
PM Modi approves the northern bullet train corridor, promising Delhi-Agra travel in 59 minutes and Delhi-Kanpur in 1 hour 45 minutes. Check the proposed routes and travel times.
- Nov 2, 2026,
- Updated Nov 2, 2026 3:59 PM IST
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59-minute revolution
Delhi to Agra in just 59 minutes! Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the northern bullet train corridor, promising a dramatic reduction in travel time across major cities. Delhi to Kanpur could take just 1 hour and 45 minutes, while Lucknow could be reached in 2 hours and 12 minutes. But the proposed high-speed network goes far beyond these three destinations.
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Ten-city transformation
India's proposed northern bullet train corridor could reshape long-distance travel across several states. The route will connect Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Patna, Siliguri and Guwahati. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, travellers could cover Lucknow to Varanasi in just 1 hour and 21 minutes, while Varanasi to Delhi would take 3 hours and 35 minutes. The big question now is when these journey times will become reality. (Representative Image)
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Made-in-India ambition
India's bullet train dream comes with a massive manufacturing push. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said the northern corridor will be built under the Make in India initiative, with everything from pillars to girders manufactured domestically. The project is expected to create opportunities for Indian engineers, welders and other skilled workers. But the scale of construction required to connect cities across northern and eastern India presents a major challenge. (Representative Image)
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Varanasi upgrade
Bullet trains aren't the only railway announcement promising faster journeys. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has also announced 10 MEMU services for Varanasi, aimed at improving connectivity for daily commuters, traders and pilgrims. The services will cover areas including Banaras City, Banaras Cantt and Rajatalab, while a daily connection to Prayagraj is also planned. For passengers travelling across the region, these shorter-distance services could deliver benefits well before the bullet train arrives. (Representative Image)