India, Nov. 1 -- India's high-speed rail network is set for a major expansion, with the government approving the Northern Bullet Train Corridor, a project expected to significantly reduce travel times between Delhi and several major cities in Uttar Pradesh.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval, saying the proposed corridor would transform connectivity across northern India.

Under the proposed travel schedule, passengers could travel from Delhi to Agra in just 59 minutes, while the journey between Delhi and Varanasi could take approximately three-and-a-half hours.

He added that the project would benefit young people, middle-income families and artisans working in small-scale industries.

"The vision for the bul...