New Ganga Bridge in Varanasi – ₹2642 Crore Project

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• A new bridge over the Ganga in Varanasi is set to be constructed.
• This ₹2,642 crore project will replace the 137-year-old Malviya Bridge.
• It aims to improve traffic flow and reduce fuel consumption.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

A new double-deck rail-road bridge over the Ganga in Varanasi will replace the 137-year-old Malviya Bridge. Located on the busy railway route, it connects the holy city with Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction. The existing Malviya Bridge, used for both vehicles and trains, is currently handling 163% of its capacity.

Approved by the Union cabinet on October 16, this ₹2,642 crore project envisions easing congestion with four railway tracks on the lower deck and a six-lane highway on the upper deck. The Malviya Bridge currently has only two tracks. The project also includes laying third and fourth tracks on the existing two-track Varanasi-DDU Junction route. Walkways for pedestrians will be constructed along the edges of the upper deck, and the highway will be designed to handle heavy traffic, including trucks, buses, and cars.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that, besides facilitating the movement of goods and passengers across northern, eastern, and western states, a significant benefit of the bridge is its role in reducing fuel consumption. With better train operations and reduced road traffic, experts estimate it could save around 8 crore liters of diesel annually, resulting in a cost reduction of approximately ₹638 crore. “The new bridge project aligns with the government’s larger goal of sustainable infrastructure,” said a senior government official, emphasizing its critical role in enhancing India’s transport system’s efficiency and sustainability.

Vaishnaw mentioned that the new bridge, apart from being a major route upgrade, is expected to set a national record for traffic load. “Although India has longer bridges, such as Bogibeel in Assam, the Kashi bridge will excel in handling both train and road traffic effectively. Its design features many arches, tailored to meet the area’s large and growing needs,” the minister noted.

A unique aspect of this location is the unusual flow of the Ganga from south to north, which is uncommon for the river’s typical path. The bridge’s base will be set 120 feet below the water to ensure stability and strength. This depth will help it withstand the river’s changing flows and the weight of heavy traffic for an estimated 150 years, officials said.

The new bridge will cater to Varanasi’s growing transport needs, which has seen numerous infrastructural upgrades and investments since 2014 when it became Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s constituency. PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate or lay the foundation for as many as 23 projects worth ₹6,611.18 crore across the country during his visit to the city on October 20. These projects include significant upgrades at seven airports, including the expansion of Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport with a new terminal, along with similar developments at Bagdogra (West Bengal), Darbhanga (Bihar), and Agra airports.

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