The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the construction of a state-of-the-art rail-cum-road bridge across the Ganga River, traversing Varanasi and Chandauli districts in Uttar Pradesh. The bridge will feature a six-lane highway on the upper deck and four railway lines on the lower deck, marking a significant infrastructural upgrade for the region.
Announcing the decision, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who also serves as the Union Railways Minister, explained the need to replace the existing Malviya Bridge in Varanasi. “The Malviya Bridge, built 137 years ago, currently serves as a two-lane rail and road bridge. With the rail route between Varanasi and Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Junction running at 163% capacity, it has become crucial to introduce new infrastructure to ease operations and decongest this saturated section,” Vaishnaw said.
The new bridge, set to cost ₹2,642 crore, will feature four railway tracks and a six-lane highway. Vaishnaw described the project as part of the government’s focus on improving connectivity across one of the busiest sections of Indian Railways, providing relief to both freight and passenger traffic.
“By easing congestion, this multi-tracking initiative will enhance efficiency, support tourism, industrial development, and improve logistics,” he added.
Varanasi Railway Station, a crucial hub in the Indian Railways network, connects key zones and caters to pilgrims, tourists, and the local population. However, heavy congestion on the Varanasi-DDU Junction route—critical for transporting coal, cement, food grains, and other freight—has created operational bottlenecks.
An official statement from the government highlighted the project’s importance, noting that the new bridge and additional railway lines are essential to meeting the growing demands of tourism, freight, and industry in the region. The upgrade is also expected to accommodate 27.83 million tonnes of annual freight on the stretch.
“This project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘New India’ by enhancing the socio-economic potential of the region, generating employment, and promoting self-reliance,” the release said.
The bridge project is being developed under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, enabling integrated planning for seamless movement of goods, services, and people. The project will extend Indian Railways’ network by 30 km, enhancing regional connectivity and transportation infrastructure.
Additionally, the government emphasized the environmental benefits of the new rail-cum-road bridge. Railways, being an energy-efficient mode of transportation, will not only reduce logistics costs but also significantly lower carbon emissions by 149 crore kilograms—equivalent to planting 6 crore trees.
“The project will contribute to India’s climate goals, supporting sustainable transportation and fostering regional development,” the statement said.
(Inputs from ANI)
