Nod for new rail-cum-road bridge on Ganga river in Varanasi to replace 137-year old Malviya bridge.
The Union Cabinet has approved a new rail-cum-road bridge over the Ganga River in Varanasi, with an estimated cost of Rs. 2,642 crore.
On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved the construction of a new rail-cum-road bridge over the Ganga River in Varanasi, with an estimated total cost of Rs. 2,642 crore. This project, which spans Varanasi and Chandauli districts in Uttar Pradesh, is expected to take four years to complete and will replace the historic 137-year-old Malviya Bridge.
Officials noted that the current Malviya Bridge, part of the Varanasi-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Junction route, is facing oversaturation and requires replacement. The new bridge will feature four railway lines on the lower deck and a six-lane highway on the upper deck.
“The existing bridge is quite old, yet it remains in good condition due to ongoing maintenance. The new structure will have a lower deck with four railway lines and an upper deck for a six-lane highway. It will rank among the largest bridges in the world in terms of traffic capacity. This corridor will enhance connectivity for northern, eastern, and western states, serving as a crucial link across the Ganga. Completion is expected in about four years,” stated Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways. “Designed to last approximately 150 years, the bridge will accommodate anticipated rail and road traffic over the next century. Its detailed project report was prepared after a comprehensive two-year study. This will be India’s largest bridge from a traffic perspective, extending just over a kilometer, with foundations 120 feet deep from the river's surface,” he added.
Officials emphasized that the project will enhance capacity and efficiency while supporting socio-economic growth in the region. It is projected to alleviate congestion along the route and facilitate the movement of 27.83 MTPA of freight. The bridge will also expand the Indian Railways' network by around 30 kilometers. The Varanasi Railway Station is a key hub that connects important areas of Indian Railways, serving as a gateway for pilgrims, tourists, and local residents. The Varanasi-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Junction route is essential for both passenger and freight traffic, currently experiencing heavy congestion due to its role in transporting goods such as coal, cement, and food grains, as well as catering to increasing tourism and industrial demands.
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