Union Cabinet approves Varanasi-DDU multi-tracking project worth Rs 2,642 crore

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Varanasi-Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) multi-tracking project with an estimated cost of Rs 2,642 crore.

The proposed project includes a new rail-cum-road bridge across the Ganga river and the addition of third and fourth railway lines between Varanasi and DDU Junction route, among other infrastructural upgrades.

The project traverses through Varanasi and Chandauli districts in Uttar Pradesh,” a government statement said. The multi-tracking project will ease operations and reduce congestion, providing the much-required infrastructural development on the busiest sections across Indian Railways.

Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency is represented by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Reacting to the decision, Modi said his government has been leaving no stone unturned for the welfare of people of Varanasi.

"The project will not only provide better connectivity to pilgrims, tourists and local residents but also create new employment and business opportunities," he said in a post on X in Hindi.

The project involved building a new rail-cum-road bridge over the Ganga River and the addition of 3rd and 4th railway lines. These enhancements aim to improve capacity, efficiency and support the region’s socio-economic growth, the statement said.

“Apart from relief in congestion in the stretch, 27.83 MTPA (million tonnes per annum) freight is anticipated on the proposed stretch,” it added.