Lucknow | The Union Budget 2026–27 has delivered a historic push to railway infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, with projects worth over ₹92,000 crore approved or currently underway, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Monday.
Addressing a press conference, the Railway Minister said Uttar Pradesh has received the highest-ever allocation for railway projects in the state’s history. A provision of ₹20,012 crore has been made specifically for railway-related works in Uttar Pradesh in the 2026–27 budget, giving fresh momentum to connectivity, infrastructure expansion and economic development.
Vaishnaw stated that the current allocation is nearly 18 times higher than what the state received during previous governments. He added that the Centre’s commitment of ₹1 lakh crore for railway development in Uttar Pradesh is steadily being fulfilled, with around ₹92,000 crore worth of projects already sanctioned or under execution.
Bullet Train Projects to Transform Eastern UP Connectivity
One of the most significant announcements is the approval of two new high-speed rail (bullet train) projects for Uttar Pradesh. The first corridor will connect Delhi to Varanasi, while the second will run from Varanasi to Siliguri via Patna.
According to the Railway Minister, the Delhi–Varanasi bullet train will reduce travel time to just 3 hours and 50 minutes, directly benefiting several major cities of Uttar Pradesh and providing fast, safe and comfortable connectivity to eastern Uttar Pradesh. The Varanasi–Siliguri high-speed corridor is expected to cover the distance in approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes.
Vaishnaw said these projects will play a key role in strengthening regional mobility, trade and tourism, particularly in Purvanchal and adjoining regions.
High-Speed Rail Network Expansion Across India
The minister highlighted that the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, India’s first bullet train corridor, is progressing rapidly and is expected to begin commercial operations next year. Building on this success, the government has announced the second phase of high-speed rail expansion, comprising seven new corridors.
Of these, two corridors will serve northern and eastern India, while five will be in western and southern India. The Varanasi–Siliguri corridor will form part of a long high-speed economic corridor connecting Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, significantly enhancing inter-regional connectivity.
100% Electrification and Station Redevelopment
Vaishnaw also announced that Uttar Pradesh has achieved 100% railway electrification, marking a major milestone in sustainable and efficient rail operations. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, redevelopment or reconstruction work is underway at 157 railway stations across the state.
He further informed that Amrit Bharat trains have already been introduced, with four trains currently operational and several more in the pipeline. These trains will be launched in phases as manufacturing is completed.
Railways as a Driver of Growth
The Railway Minister said these initiatives align with the vision of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), aiming to make Indian Railways modern, fast, safe and passenger-centric. He added that large-scale railway investment will not only improve travel and logistics but also generate employment, attract investment and accelerate regional development in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
The announcements mark a major leap in railway infrastructure planning, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a central hub in India’s future high-speed and modern rail network.
