Ganga Rail-Cum-Road Bridge

Current Context : The Indian government has approved a significant ₹2,642 crore project to construct a rail-cum-road bridge over the Ganga River, connecting Varanasi and Chandauli in Uttar Pradesh.

Aim : to improve transportation efficiency and ease congestion on one of the busiest sections of Indian Railways, which is crucial for both passenger and freight traffic, including goods like coal, cement, and food grains.

• Completion Timeline: 4 years.
• Structure: Six-lane highway and four railway tracks.
• Significance: Will decongest the overburdened Varanasi–Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction route, which is operating at 163% capacity.
• Environmental Impact: The project will reduce CO2 emissions by 149 crore kilograms, equivalent to planting 6 crore trees, supporting India’s climate goals.
• Economic Impact: Expected to carry 27.83 million tonnes of freight annually and generate employment, contributing to the socio-economic growth of the region.
• This initiative is aligned with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan.