The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the multi-tracking project for the Varanasi-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) section, with an estimated budget of Rs 2,642 crore.
The project involves the construction of a new rail-cum-road bridge over the Ganga River, along with the addition of third and fourth railway lines on the Varanasi to DDU Junction route, among other infrastructure upgrades.
“These enhancements aim to improve capacity, efficiency and support the region’s socio-economic growth. Apart from relief in congestion in the stretch, 27.83 MTPA freight is anticipated on the proposed stretch,” a press release stated.
Detailing the project on X, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw wrote, “One of the world’s biggest bridges in transport & traffic capacity will be constructed over Ganga Ji.” He added that the bridge will have four railway lines and 6 lane road.
The bridge’s upper deck will have the six-lane highway, while the lower deck will house four railway lines. This bridge will be constructed next to the Malviya Bridge in Kashi and is about 137 years old.
The multi-tracking project covers 2 districts in Uttar Pradesh and will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 30 kilometers.
“The proposed multi-tracking project will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing the much-required infrastructural development on the busiest sections across Indian Railways. The project traverses through Varanasi and Chandauli districts in Uttar Pradesh,” the government said.