PRAYAGRAJ, June 19 -- Shantipuram has emerged as the frontrunner for the proposed station of the Delhi-Varanasi High-Speed Rail (bullet train) project in Prayagraj, following a review meeting chaired by district magistrate Manish Kumar Verma. During the meeting held at the NIC auditorium on Wednesday, representatives of the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) presented the proposed alignment of the corridor. The District Magistrate confirmed that the project envisages a single bullet train station in the district. Officials evaluated multiple potential locations for the station, including Nimi Khurd, Shantipuram, Prayag Railway Station, Parade Ground and the airport area. After detailed discussions, Shantipuram was identified as the most suitable site, citing its proposed metro connectivity and accessibility via the six-lane bridge network. Officials noted that a station near the airport could pose accessibility challenges for a large section of commuters, while a facility at Parade Ground might create logistical difficulties during the Kumbh and Magh Mela gatherings. In contrast, Shantipuram is expected to offer superior urban connectivity and easier access for pilgrims traveling to the Sangam area during major religious events. District magistrate Verma has directed officials from the Prayagraj development authority, Prayagraj municipal corporation and other concerned departments to thoroughly study reports on the city's development plan, inner and outer ring roads, bridges, national highways and existing rail infrastructure before finalising the station's location and route alignment. Attendees at the meeting included PDA vice-chairman Rishiraj, municipal commissioner Seelam Sai Teja, chief development officer Harshika Singh, divisional forest officer Arvind Yadav, additional district magistrate (City) Satyam Mishra, ADM (finance and revenue) Vinita Singh, ADM (Nazul) Sanjay Pandey and ADM (administration) Upma Pandey, among other officials....