In a significant move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Union Cabinet has given the green light for a new rail-cum-road bridge over the Ganga River in Varanasi.

According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, this bridge will be one of the largest in India, boasting four railway lines and a six-lane highway.

Designed to last 150 years, the bridge will stretch over one kilometer in length. Given its complex structure, the project is expected to take around four years to complete, according to TOI.

The new bridge will significantly impact diesel imports, saving about 8 crore liters annually, which translates to around Rs 638 crore in savings each year. The overall cost of the multi-tracking project is estimated at Rs 2,642 crore, aimed at streamlining operations and reducing congestion on one of the busiest sections of Indian Railways.

Varanasi Railway Station serves as a vital hub, connecting important areas and catering to pilgrims and tourists. The route between Varanasi and Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Junction is crucial for passenger and freight traffic. However, it often faces congestion due to the transport of essential goods like coal, cement, and food grains, alongside the growing demands of tourism and industry.

To tackle these challenges, the project will also include the addition of 3rd and 4th railway lines. These upgrades are expected to enhance capacity and efficiency, supporting the socio-economic development of the region. The proposed section will aim to handle 27.83 million tons of freight per annum and expand the existing Indian Railways network by approximately 30 kilometers across Varanasi and Chandauli districts.

Currently, the aging Malviya Bridge, a critical rail link built around 137 years ago, serves as a connection between Northern, Eastern, and Western India. With the current route between Varanasi and DDU operating at 163 percent capacity, replacing the Malviya Bridge is essential for ensuring efficient and safe transportation in the region, as highlighted by Vaishnaw.