The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a major project by the Ministry of Railways, valued at Rs 2,642 crore, aimed at easing congestion and boosting infrastructural capacity on one of India’s busiest railway routes. The multi-tracking initiative, part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, focuses on the Varanasi-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Junction section, which spans Varanasi and Chandauli districts in Uttar Pradesh.
The Varanasi Railway Station, a key hub for Indian Railways, serves as a gateway for pilgrims, tourists, and local commuters, while also being a critical junction for freight movement. The current rail network in this region faces significant congestion, transporting essential goods like coal, cement, and food grains. Additionally, growing tourism and industrial demands have increased pressure on the infrastructure.
The project’s core elements include the construction of 3rd and 4th railway lines and a new rail-cum-road bridge over the Ganga River. These upgrades are designed to increase capacity, efficiency, and support the region’s socio-economic growth. The enhanced infrastructure is expected to boost freight movement by 27.83 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum), significantly easing congestion along the route.
The project aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “New India” and aims to make the region more “Atmanirbhar” (self-reliant) by promoting comprehensive development. It is anticipated to create employment and self-employment opportunities for the local population, while also improving connectivity for the movement of goods and services.
With a projected addition of 30 kilometres to the Indian Railways network, the project will also contribute to India’s environmental goals. Rail transport, known for being environmentally friendly and energy-efficient, is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 149 crore kilograms, the equivalent of planting 6 crore trees, helping to lower the country’s logistics costs and further its climate objectives.
