The Varanasi Kolkata Expressway (NH-319B) is a 610-kilometer highway developed by NHAI, featuring six lanes and controlled access. It serves as a vital link between Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Ranchi in Jharkhand, and Kolkata in West Bengal.
This expressway, constructed under the Bharatmala Pariyojna (BMP) initiative, will run parallel to the old NH-12, now NH-19, connecting Varanasi Ring Road near Barhuli village to NH-16 near Uluberia, Howrah District, West Bengal.
The total distance between Varanasi and Kolkata, following the current route, spans approximately 690 kilometers, with a travel time of about 12 to 14 hours. Once the Varanasi Ranchi Kolkata expressway is completed, it is anticipated to cut down travel time by approximately 50%, reducing it to 6 to 7 hours. Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone for Package-I of this project, costing Rs 1,317 crore, which includes land acquisition.
Completion and opening of the expressway are expected by 2026.
This bundled package entails the construction of a 27-kilometer roadway. The expressway aims to lower logistics expenses and stimulate industrial endeavors by linking multiple key urban centers.
These initiatives will notably bolster infrastructure, medical education and amenities, fashion technology, and protocols for biomedical waste management in Varanasi.
Among the projects set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi are a Medical College and NIFT.
Also Read: PM Modi’s Gift to Varanasi: Laying of Foundation Stone of Various Projects worth Rs 10,000 cr
Ans 1. The Varanasi Kolkata expressway connects both cities.
Ans 2. The expressway is 610 kilometres long and is a part of Bharatmala Pariyojana.
Ans 3. The Varanasi Kolkata expressway will pass from 4 major states. These include Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Ans 4. Currently, the process of land acquisition has started for the project.
Ans 5. The expected completion date for the project is around 2026.
Ans 6. The estimated cost of the Varanasi Kolkata Expressway is approximately Rs 35,000 crore.
Ans 7. Yes, Kolkata Varanasi Airport is being constructed in five phases.
Ans 8. Construction work on the Varanasi Ranchi Kolkata expressway will start in January 2024.
Ans 9. The benefits of the Varanasi Kolkata expressway are decongestion of traffic, reduced travel time, increased imports/exports, economic growth and development of localities.
Ans 10. The areas near the Varanasi Kolkata expressway will start developing once the expressway is operational.
Ans 11. States covered by the Varanasi Ranchi Kolkata expressway are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Ans 12. Currently it takes around 12-13 hours to reach Kolkata from Varanasi. However, via the Kolkata Ranchi Varanasi expressway the travel time will be reduced to 6-7 hours.