The Union Cabinet sanctioned the construction of a new rail-cum-road bridge over the Ganga river in Varanasi for ₹2,642 crore on Wednesday. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasised that this bridge will rank among the largest globally regarding transport capacity. The project is projected to take around four years to complete.
The Varanasi bridge will consist of four railway lines and a six-lane highway, designed to last for 150 years and extending over one kilometre in length. The new bridge is expected to save about 8 crore litres of diesel imports each year, equating to savings of roughly ₹638 crore annually.
“The Varanasi-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Junction route, vital for both passenger and freight traffic, faces heavy congestion due to its role in transporting goods like coal, cement, and foodgrains, as well as serving growing tourism and industrial demands. To address this issue, infrastructure upgrades are needed. These enhancements aim to improve capacity, efficiency and support the region’s socio-economic growth. Apart from relief in congestion in the stretch, 27.83 MTPA freight is anticipated on the proposed stretch,” the release states.
The project is anticipated to create direct employment opportunities amounting to around 10 lakh human-days during the construction phase, the government states. The Centre stated the initiative aims to enhance logistical efficiency by linking previously unconnected areas and improving transportation networks, which will lead to more efficient supply chains and stimulate economic growth.
It is expected to ensure smooth movement of people, goods, and services. The initiative, spanning two districts in Uttar Pradesh, will also expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 30 kilometres.
The existing Malviya bridge in Kashi is a crucial railway bridge that spans the Ganga, linking northern, eastern, and western regions of India. Built approximately 137 years ago, it currently has two rail lines and two road lanes. Vaishnaw highlighted the urgent necessity of replacing the Malviya bridge due to its age and the overuse of the Varanasi-DDU route, which is currently operating at 163% of its capacity, to ensure safe and efficient transportation in the area.
