Kolkata, August 20, 2025

 

In a written reply to the question raised by MP Shri Samik Bhattacharya in the Rajya Sabha today, regarding the construction work on the Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway and the progress on the same in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, besides, the reason behind the delay in West Bengal-whether it’s due to the slow pace of land acquisition by the State Government despite the National Highways Authority of India being ready with tenders and offering compensation above market rates and also, the percentage of land acquisition completed in West Bengal for the expressway project and the districts where acquisition is pending, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari stated that  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.

The Union Minister added that the subject alignment from Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata was approved by the Government and consent of the State Government of West Bengal was given on January 03, 2023. The revised alignment considering the request of the State Government was approved in October, 2024. According to Shri Gadkari, Notification under Section 3(A) of National Highway (NH) Act, 1956 is completed in Purulia, Bankura & Hooghly districts out of six (6) districts falling in the alignment. He pointed out that 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.

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SSS/20.8.25/……

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