Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Union Cabinet approved the Varanasi-Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Multi-Tracking Project, which is set to enhance rail connectivity in Uttar Pradesh.
The project, estimated at Rs 2,642 crore, was sanctioned in a meeting chaired by PM Modi. This initiative aims to address congestion on one of the busiest railway routes in India and will provide significant infrastructural development in the region.
The project involves the construction of a new Rail-cum-Road Bridge over the Ganga River, connecting the districts of Varanasi and Chandauli. Amit Shah took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to commend Modi for his efforts in promoting connectivity across the country.
He highlighted that the approval would facilitate the expansion of the railway network by an additional 30 kilometres, significantly easing operations on this crucial route.
The Varanasi Railway Station serves as a pivotal hub in the Indian Railways network. It connects various important zones and acts as a gateway for numerous pilgrims, tourists, and local residents.
The route from Varanasi to Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Junction is vital for both passenger and freight transportation. However, it has been facing severe congestion due to the high volume of goods transported, including coal, cement, and food grains, alongside the increasing demands from tourism and industry.
To combat the persistent congestion and enhance operational efficiency, the project will incorporate significant upgrades to the existing infrastructure. This includes not only the new rail-road bridge over the Ganga but also the addition of third and fourth railway lines to facilitate smoother traffic flow. Such improvements are necessary to meet the growing demands of both passengers and freight services.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a New India, aiming to make the region self-reliant through comprehensive development. The project is expected to create various employment opportunities and boost self-employment prospects for the local population. By focusing on enhancing infrastructure, it will facilitate better access to jobs and services, thereby improving the overall quality of life for residents.
Moreover, this project is a part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which emphasises multi-modal connectivity through integrated planning. This strategic approach ensures seamless movement for people, goods, and services across different modes of transport. By investing in such infrastructure, the government aims to lay a strong foundation for sustainable economic growth in the region.
The project, covering the two districts of Varanasi and Chandauli, will significantly increase the existing railway network, contributing approximately 30 kilometres to the Indian Railways.
Furthermore, rail transportation is recognized as an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient mode, which is crucial for achieving climate goals. It is expected that the project will lead to a reduction of around 149 crore kilograms of CO2 emissions. This reduction is comparable to the environmental impact of planting approximately six crore trees, showcasing the project's contribution to sustainability.
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