PM Modi to Review Varanasi's Iconic Double-Decker Bridge
PM Modi visits Varanasi to review the iconic double-decker rail-road bridge, Kashi Station redevelopment, and the new urban ropeway project.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Varanasi on Sunday, October 25, 2026, to conduct a high-level on-site assessment of several massive infrastructure projects. The primary focus of his visit will be the ambitious double-decker rail-road signature bridge, a project designed to transform regional connectivity. The Prime Minister's tour will also include a visit to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand.
A Landmark Engineering Project
The proposed double-decker signature bridge is a cornerstone of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan. Designed to replace the 139-year-old Malviya Bridge, this massive structure will span the Ganga River near Namo Ghat, providing a direct link between Varanasi and Chandauli. The project is engineered to provide a service life of 150 years and will exceed one kilometer in length.
The bridge features a unique dual-purpose design:
- Lower Deck: This section will house four railway tracks, representing a significant increase in rail capacity for the region.
- Upper Deck: This section will consist of a six-lane highway to facilitate high-speed road transport.
Economic Savings and Traffic Relief
With an estimated investment of approximately ₹2,642 crore, the bridge is expected to provide immense economic and logistical benefits. By offering an alternative to the heavily congested Varanasi to Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Junction route, the bridge will significantly alleviate traffic pressure.
Beyond transit efficiency, the project holds major environmental and economic advantages. It is projected to save nearly 8 crore liters of diesel annually, resulting in an estimated yearly economic saving of roughly ₹638 crore.
Broader Urban Redevelopment in Varanasi
The Prime Minister's review is not limited to the bridge alone. His visit will also include progress assessments for other critical urban infrastructure, such as:
- Kashi Railway Station: The comprehensive redevelopment of the station to modernize its facilities.
- Urban Ropeway Project: The development of the city's new urban ropeway system to enhance local transport.
Construction Progress and Completion Targets
Following its initial sanction in the 2017-18 financial year, the Union Cabinet officially granted approval for the project on October 17, 2024. Construction is currently being carried out by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and GPT Infra Projects Limited. Site clearing and piling activities are already underway at the location.
While the official completion target is set for 2028, industry estimates suggest the project may reach finalization by 2029. In preparation for the Prime Minister's arrival, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been overseeing security arrangements and progress preparations to ensure the high-profile review proceeds smoothly.