The Ministry of Railways has unveiled a significant budgetary allocation for Delhi in the Railway Budget 2026-27, marking a substantial investment in the national capital's transportation infrastructure. The Union Territory has been granted Rs 2,711 crore for railway development, reflecting an increase from the previous fiscal year's allocation of Rs 2,593 crore.
Record Allocation for Delhi's Railway Infrastructure
This enhanced funding underscores the government's commitment to modernizing Delhi's railway network, which falls under the administrative control of Northern Railway's Delhi Division. The allocation is part of a broader infrastructure push, with projects worth Rs 8,976 crore currently underway in the national capital.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the transformative potential of this investment during a press conference. "A record railway budget of Rs 2,711 crore has been allocated for Delhi," he stated, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the development plans.
Delhi-Varanasi-Siliguri Bullet Train Corridor
In a landmark announcement, the Railway Minister revealed plans for India's first bullet train route connecting Delhi to Varanasi, with an extension to Siliguri. This high-speed rail corridor promises to revolutionize travel across northern and eastern India.
The proposed route will dramatically reduce travel times:
- Delhi to Varanasi journey reduced to just 3 hours and 50 minutes
- Varanasi to Siliguri via Patna taking approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes
Vaishnaw described this as "a new economic corridor stretching from Delhi through Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to West Bengal," predicting significant multiplier effects on healthcare, education, and various economic activities across the region.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Development
The massive investment in Delhi's railway infrastructure encompasses multiple critical areas:
- Station Redevelopment: Under the Amrit Station Scheme, 13 railway stations in Delhi have been identified for complete transformation with a total investment of Rs 5,887 crore
- Track Creation and Safety Enhancements: Significant resources dedicated to expanding rail networks and implementing advanced safety measures
- Electrification Milestone: Delhi has achieved 100% railway electrification, supporting cleaner and more efficient operations
The stations slated for redevelopment include Adarshnagar Delhi, Anand Vihar, Bijwasan, Delhi Cantt., Delhi Sarai Rohilla, Delhi Shahadra, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Narela, New Delhi, Sabzi Mandi, Safdarjung, and Tilak Bridge.
Enhanced Premium Train Services
To complement the infrastructure upgrades, Delhi's railway network now features expanded premium train services:
- 14 pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains
- 8 pairs of Amrit Bharat trains
These services represent the cutting edge of Indian railway technology and passenger comfort, aligning with the broader vision of modernizing the country's transportation network.
National Railway Budget Context
The Delhi allocation forms part of the Ministry of Railways' historic budgetary outlay of Rs 2,78,030 crore in the Union Budget 2026-27. Additionally, the ministry received a record capital expenditure allocation of Rs 2,93,030 crore, with strategic focus areas including:
- High-speed connectivity initiatives
- Freight infrastructure development
- Comprehensive safety enhancements
The bullet train announcement represents a significant step toward realizing India's high-speed rail ambitions, potentially attracting substantial investment and transforming regional connectivity patterns. The Delhi-Varanasi-Siliguri corridor is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic development across multiple states, creating new opportunities for growth and integration.
