Varanasi–Kolkata Expressway Progress Slows In West Bengal As Alignment Revision Stalls Work

The Rs 35,000 crore Varanasi–Kolkata Expressway is moving steadily across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, but progress in West Bengal remains stalled due to alignment issues, reported The New Indian Express.

Replying to BJP MP Samik Bhattacharya in a written response in the Rajya Sabha, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that while land acquisition has been notified in Purulia, Bankura and Hooghly districts, construction cannot begin as the West Bengal Government has revised the alignment of the project.

“The work of construction of Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway has been awarded in the State of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, except at certain locations. Further, the work of preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) for stretch in West Bengal has been awarded,” Gadkari said in his reply.

He added that the original alignment running through Varanasi–Ranchi–Kolkata was cleared by the Centre with the State’s consent in January 2023, but later altered at Kolkata’s request.

“The revised alignment considering the request of State Government was approved in October 2024,” he noted.

Out of six West Bengal districts covered by the project, land acquisition notifications are complete in three.

“The award of work and start of construction shall be based on the outcome of DPR, requirement of connectivity, inter-se priority and synergy with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan,” the Minister said.

Experts underline that the 610 km, six-lane corridor will cut travel time between Varanasi and Kolkata from 12–14 hours to just six, while boosting trade, tourism and jobs.

The expressway, laid out to complement the historic Grand Trunk Road, will also provide Ranchi with a direct high-speed link.

The foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23 February 2024, with the entire corridor expected to be operational by March 2028.

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