New Rail-Cum-Road Bridge Approved for Varanasi

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – The Union Cabinet approved the construction of a new rail-cum-road bridge across the Ganga River connecting Varanasi and Chandauli districts in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. The bridge will feature a six-lane highway on the upper deck and four railway lines on the lower deck, significantly upgrading the region's infrastructure.

The decision to replace the existing Malviya Bridge, built 137 years ago, was announced by Information and Broadcasting Minister and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The Malviya Bridge, built 137 years ago, currently serves as a two-lane rail and road bridge. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Junction operating at 163% capacity, a new infrastructure solution is critical.

"By easing congestion, this multi-tracking initiative will enhance efficiency, support tourism, industrial development, and improve logistics," Vaishnaw stated.

The new bridge, estimated to cost ₹2,642 crore, will be part of the government's efforts to improve connectivity across one of the busiest sections of Indian Railways. This upgrade aims to relieve congestion for both freight and passenger traffic.

The project is expected to significantly impact the Varanasi Railway Station, a vital hub in the Indian Railways network. The station connects key zones and serves pilgrims, tourists, and the local population. Congestion on the Varanasi-DDU Junction route, vital for transporting coal, cement, food grains, and other freight, has caused operational bottlenecks.

The government emphasized 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 expected to handle 27.83 million tonnes of freight annually.

The 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, according to an official statement.

Developed under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, the bridge project will extend Indian Railways' network by 30 km, enhancing regional connectivity and transportation infrastructure.

The government also highlighted the environmental benefits of the new rail-cum-road bridge. Railways, as an energy-efficient mode of transportation, will reduce logistics costs and significantly lower carbon emissions by 149 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting six crore trees.