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. 18/10/2024 2:53 PM
The Indian government has given the green light to a significant ₹2,642 crore project aimed at constructing a rail-cum-road bridge over the Ganga River in Varanasi. The project is expected to take four years to complete and aims to enhance transportation efficiency in this vital region.
The new rail-cum-road bridge will facilitate faster and more efficient transport in the Varanasi-Chandauli area of Uttar Pradesh. This region is crucial for both passenger and freight traffic, as it is experiencing increased demand due to a rise in tourism and industrial activities.
Varanasi Railway Station serves as a major hub in India’s extensive railway network. It connects numerous key locations and handles a significant volume of passenger traffic, in addition to transporting essential goods such as coal, cement, and food grains. The station is also vital for pilgrims and tourists visiting Varanasi, further boosting the local economy.
The railway route between Varanasi and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction is heavily congested, particularly due to the high volume of goods being transported. This overcrowding leads to delays, as the existing infrastructure struggles to keep pace with growing demands.
To alleviate this congestion, the project will include:
A new rail-cum-road bridge across the Ganga
Additional third and fourth railway lines on key stretches
These enhancements are expected to significantly increase the capacity for transporting both passengers and goods, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the transportation system.
Once completed, the new bridge and railway lines will have the capacity to handle an impressive 27.83 million tonnes of goods annually. This improvement will facilitate the smoother transportation of materials and products, ultimately contributing to the growth of the local economy.
This project aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which seeks to enhance connectivity across India through improved transport planning. By integrating rail, road, and other transport systems, the project will enable the seamless movement of people, goods, and services within the region.
In summary, the approval of the rail-cum-road bridge project over the Ganga marks a significant step towards improving infrastructure in Varanasi. This initiative is poised to enhance transport efficiency and bolster economic growth in the region, contributing to the broader goals of national connectivity and development.
