By VARANASI — Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) in joint venture with GPT Infraprojects, has officially emerged as the lowest bidder for a huge project worth ₹1,201.36 crore. The goal is to build a brand new multi purpose bridge over the holy river Ganga.
This new super bridge will be built near the Kashi Railway Station. It is designed to be a Rail-cum-Road bridge, meaning it will serve both trains and vehicles at the same time, helping to end long traffic jams that often slow down the city.
Double the Benefit: A Two-Level Design
One of the most exciting parts of this project is its clever design. Instead of building two separate bridges, engineers will build one giant structure with two level (decks):
Lower Level (Railways): The deck will feature four railway tracks. This will allow many more trains to pass through Varanasi every day, connecting the city better to places like Delhi, Kolkata and Lucknow.
Upper Level (Roadways): The top deck will be a massive six-lane road. This will give a huge boost to cars, buses and trucks making it much easier for pilgrims and tourists to visit the famous temples of Varanasi.
Why Is This Bridge So Important?
Varanasi is one of the oldest and busiest cities in the world. Currently, most traffic relies on the old Malviya Bridge. Because that bridge is quite old and narrow, it often gets very crowded. The new bridge will be built just 50 meters away from the old one. By adding four new rail lines and six road lanes, the government expects to reduce traffic jams, boost tourism and faster freight.
The Team Behind The Project
The project is being handled by a partnership (Joint Venture) between two experienced companies. RVNL holds a 60% stake in the partnership, while GPT Infraprojects holds the remaining 40%. RVNL is well known for building complex railway projects across India. By joining forces with GPT, they are bringing together the best engineering talents to ensure the bridge is strong, safe and built to last for generations.
Timeline: When Will it be Ready?
Building a bridge over the Ganga is a tough job because the river is very wide and powerful. The project is expected to take 48 months (4 years) to complete. During this time, workers will build 10 massive spans (sections) of the bridge using heavy steel girders to ensure it can handle the weight of heavy rains and thousands of cars.
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), in joint venture with GPT Infraprojects, has won a ₹1,201 crore contract to build a new rail-cum-road bridge over the Ganga near Kashi Railway Station in Varanasi. The two-level bridge will feature four railway tracks and a six-lane road, easing congestion on the old Malviya Bridge and boosting connectivity, freight movement, and tourism in the region.
