Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway: Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway is an upcoming 610 km long, six-lane expressway that will connect Varanasi with Kolkata via Ranchi. The expressway will pass through four states: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. It will be an access-controlled highway and start from Chandauli district in Uttar Pradesh and end near Uluberia in Howrah, West Bengal. This expressway is also known as the Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway.
The expressway is going to reduce travel time and provide ease to commuters. The travel time will be cut to 6-7 hours from the current 12-14 hours. At present, the total distance between Varanasi and Kolkata is 690 km. Upon completion, the travel time will be reduced by half.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for the Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway in February 2024. It is built at a cost of about Rs 35,000 crore. It is part of the Bharatmala project. The project is being undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
How Will It Benefit Commuters?
The expressway is expected to be completed by 2026. It is expected to boost economy, increase tourism and enhance connectivity. It will also reduce traffic congestion.
The Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway will reduce travel time between major cities and improve the connectivity. Commuters of four states, i.e, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal will be benefitted from it. As per reports, the expressway will cover length of approximately 22 km in Uttar Pradesh, 159 km in Bihar, 187 km in Jharkhand and 242 km in West Bengal.
In Uttar Pradesh, the expressway will begin from Barhuli village near Chandauli, and after crossing the state border, it will enter Bihar.
In Bihar, it will pass through districts like Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad and Gaya. After Bihar, it will enter Jharkhand and cover Chatra, Hazaribagh, Ramgarh and Peterbar districts; it will pass through Bokaro near Ranchi in Jharkhand. In West Bengal, the expressway will pass through Purulia, Bankura and Arambagh.
A 5 km tunnel has also been proposed in Kaimur district of Bihar.
Current Status Of Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway
According to reports, currently land acquisition is in progress. The Detailed Project Reports (DPR) has been approved. The government has invited bids for the construction of the expressway.
