The Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway, a major project under India’s Bharatmala Pariyojana, is making headlines as construction progresses. This 610-km, six-lane highway will connect Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Kolkata in West Bengal via Ranchi in Jharkhand, slashing travel time from 12-14 hours to just 6-7 hours. Despite some delays, recent updates show steady progress. Here’s the latest on this game-changing expressway as of June 22, 2025.
Construction Progress and Challenges
Work on the Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway is moving forward, with significant groundwork in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. In Bihar, PNC Infratech has started on packages 2, 3, and 6, while package 1 in Uttar Pradesh is already underway. The project, costing ₹35,000 crore, faced a one-year delay due to forest clearance issues in Jharkhand and land acquisition disputes in Bihar. Farmers in Kaimur district halted work in 2024, demanding higher compensation, but recent approvals for double payouts have eased tensions. A 5-km tunnel in Kaimur is also planned to protect the environment. While completion is now eyed for 2027, officials are optimistic. We’ll update you as more milestones are reached.
Bihar’s Role
Bihar’s 159-km stretch covers districts like Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, and Gaya. Construction of five out of seven packages has begun, with tenders issued in 2022. However, land disputes slowed progress until recent compensation agreements. The tunnel in Kaimur will be a highlight, reducing environmental impact.
Jharkhand’s Stretch
Jharkhand’s 187-km section passes through Chatra, Hazaribagh, Ramgarh, and Bokaro. Forest clearance delays pushed back the 2023 start, but work is now gaining speed. Interchanges at Bongabar and Lelo village will link the expressway to NH-33 and NH-23, boosting connectivity.
Benefits for Commuters and Economy
The expressway promises to transform travel and trade across four states: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. By cutting travel time to 6-7 hours, it’ll make trips between Varanasi and Kolkata smoother for commuters and truckers. The route, starting at Barhuli village in Chandauli and ending in Uluberia, Howrah, will ease traffic on the Grand Trunk Road. It’ll also boost trade, especially for Jharkhand’s steel and coal industries, with faster access to Kolkata and Haldia ports. Tourism in lesser-known spots along the route is expected to grow, and new industries could spark job creation. Real estate in nearby villages is already seeing interest. Stay tuned for updates on this project’s impact.
Economic Growth
Improved connectivity will drive industrial growth in eastern India. Jharkhand’s Bokaro Steel Plant and Dhanbad’s coal mines will benefit from quicker port access. New factories and jobs are expected along the route, uplifting local economies.
Tourism Boost
The expressway will make small tourist spots in Jharkhand and West Bengal more accessible. Places like Rajrappa temple in Ramgarh could see more visitors. Better roads will also draw pilgrims to Varanasi and Kolkata’s cultural sites.
