BIG connectivity boost, new expressway to connect four states, shorten journey time News24 –
Varanasi–Kolkata Expressway: The travel time between Varanasi and Kolkata might be cut from 12–14 hours to approximately 6–7 hours with the construction of a new greenfield expressway. Expected to be finished by 2026, the expressway will cross four states: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. It will run parallel to the current National Highway 19 (NH-19). It will have six lanes in width and can be expanded to eight lanes in the future, according to reports. The length of the expressway is 710 kilometers.
Varanasi–Kolkata Expressway to Boost Tourism
Since the expressway will speed up and ease the flow of goods and people between the two major cities, it is expected to have a significant positive economic impact on the area. It is also expected to boost tourism in the region since it would make it easier for visitors to visit the many historical and cultural sites along the route.
Varanasi–Kolkata Expressway: State Routes in Detail
Uttar Pradesh: The Chandauli district, which is close to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, will be the western end of the expressway. The Varanasi Ring Road and National Highway 19 (NH-19) will be connected to the western terminus of the expressway close to Barhuli hamlet. The highway will run across Uttar Pradesh for a length of 22 km.
West Bengal: With an extended route that includes a Vertical Lift Bridge on the Hooghly River to reach Sarisha near Diamond Harbour, the expressway’s eastern terminus will be in Haldia, West Bengal. The districts of Purulia, Bankura, Paschim Medinipur, Hooghly, and Purba Medinipur will be covered as it travels across the state. Within West Bengal, the highway will travel a total of 323 km.
Bihar: The highway would enter the Bihar district of Kaimur after crossing the border between Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The districts of Kaimur, Aurangabad, Rohtas, and Gaya will be covered by it. Within Bihar, the expressway will travel 169 kilometers.
Jharkhand: The expressway would enter Jharkhand’s Chatra district after crossing the Bihar-Jharkhand border. The districts of Chatra, Hazaribagh, Ramgarh, and Bokaro will be covered as it travels across the state. Within Jharkhand, the highway will span a total of 196 km (122 mi).
Varanasi–Kolkata Expressway: Estimated Cost
The construction of the highway, which is expected to cost over ₹35,000 crore, is being financed by the Indian government. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is in charge for the project. Construction is anticipated to begin in the coming months, and the NHAI has already started the process of obtaining the land for the project. The first phase of the expressway is anticipated to be finished by 2025, and it will be finished in four stages. By March 2028, the project is anticipated to be finished.
The Varanasi-Kolkata expressway is a big infrastructure project that will have a big effect on the area. It is anticipated to shorten travel times, encourage tourism, and accelerate economic growth.