Ashwini Vaishnaw: Indian Railways has announced the construction of a giant bridge over the Ganges River in Varanasi. This will be the largest bridge the railways have built to date. Four railway lines and a six-lane highway will also be built on it. This bridge will replace the 137-year-old Malviya Bridge currently serving. The cabinet has approved this proposal.
The government will spend Rs 2642 crore on this new bridge. The Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Rail-Road Bridge from Varanasi will make travelling easier and reduce transport costs and carbon emissions. The government claims that this bridge will also save Rs 638 crore annually. In addition, the connectivity of many areas will increase.
Four Railway Lines and Six Highway Lanes Will Have A Life Of 150 Years
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while giving information about this decision, said that the foundation of this bridge will be 120 feet deep. Pillars will be built above it, and a bridge will be built above it. This will be the largest bridge in terms of traffic. There will be four railway lines and six highway lanes on it. The railway line will be below, and a 6-lane highway will be built above. This bridge will be built with a period of 150 years in mind. It is targeted to be completed in four years. Ashwini Vaishnaw said this bridge will generate about 10 lakh person-days employment during construction.
This Route Remains Busy Due To The Transportation Of Coal, Cement, and Grains
The project was approved in the cabinet meeting held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will improve the connectivity between the Varanasi and Chandauli districts. Varanasi is an important railway station for Indian Railways. It is also essential for passenger and cargo transport. This route remains very busy due to coal, cement, and grain transportation. It is also an essential place for pilgrims. This is why 4 railway lines are being laid on the bridge. This project will add about 30 km to the railway network.
