The Indian government is moving to fast-track the ambitious ₹35,000 crore Varanasi–Kolkata Expressway project, a critical infrastructure initiative aimed for completion by March 2028. This 610-km, six-lane greenfield corridor, often called the Kashi–Bengal Expressway, is designed to significantly reduce travel time between Varanasi and Kolkata from 12–14 hours to approximately six hours.
Project Overview and Progress
Once operational, the Kashi–Bengal Expressway is expected to emerge as a key economic artery, enhancing freight movement and connectivity across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. It will also complement the historic Grand Trunk Road network, connecting major economic and cultural centers like Varanasi, Gaya, Ranchi, and Kolkata, thereby boosting logistics efficiency, trade, and regional economic activity.
While progress in other states is robust—Uttar Pradesh is nearly 50 percent complete, construction is ongoing in Bihar, and Jharkhand has secured forest clearances—the West Bengal segment faces significant hurdles.
Challenges in West Bengal
Delays in the West Bengal stretch are attributed to alignment revisions, complex land acquisition processes, and environmental clearances. Government sources indicate that the Centre is exploring contingency plans, including potential modifications to portions of the Bengal alignment, should wildlife-related concerns remain unresolved.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari addressed these issues in the Rajya Sabha in August 2025. He noted that while construction work was awarded in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, progress in West Bengal slowed after the state government requested revisions to the original alignment. The initial Varanasi–Ranchi–Kolkata alignment received central approval and West Bengal’s consent on January 3, 2023. However, the state’s revised alignment was only approved in October 2024, causing further execution delays.
Land acquisition notifications are complete in Purulia, Bankura, and Hooghly districts, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Bengal stretch is currently underway. Officials highlight wildlife movement and forest-related concerns in parts of Purulia, Bankura, Pashchim Medinipur, Hooghly, and Howrah districts as key issues in the clearance process.
Addressing Environmental Concerns and Economic Impact
To mitigate ecological impacts, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed the construction of multiple wildlife underpasses along the expressway’s route. Despite these challenges, officials confirm the Centre's strong commitment to accelerating the strategic corridor's execution, especially following recent political developments that are seen to improve coordination prospects between state and central authorities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the project in February 2024, underscoring its national importance. The expressway is anticipated to significantly enhance trade and regional economic activity across eastern India, solidifying its role as a vital link between the eastern and northern parts of the country.