Varanasi–Kolkata Expressway Work Stalls in West Bengal due to Revised Alignment

28 Aug 2025 CW Team

Construction of the 610-km Varanasi–Kolkata Expressway is progressing in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, but the project in West Bengal remains delayed as the State Government has revised the alignment.

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha that land acquisition notifications have been completed in Purulia, Bankura, and Hooghly districts. However, further work awaits the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the revised alignment, which was approved in October 2024 at the request of the State Government.

The Centre had earlier approved the Varanasi–Ranchi–Kolkata alignment with West Bengal’s consent in January 2023. Gadkari stated that the award of work and start of construction in the State would depend on the DPR, connectivity requirements, and synergy with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

Experts highlight that the Expressway will be a major driver of connectivity and economic growth by reducing travel time between Varanasi and Kolkata from 12–14 hours to just six. Estimated at Rs 35,000 crore, the six-lane greenfield corridor will also boost trade, tourism, and job opportunities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Expressway on 23 February 2024. Once completed, it will complement the historic Grand Trunk Road that links Varanasi with Kolkata.

News source: New Indian Express

Infrastructure Transport

27 Jun 2026

Noida Airport Fuels NCR Realty Growth

The start of commercial operations at Noida International Airport has recently emerged as a major trigger for real estate growth across Noida, Greater Noida and the Yamuna Expressway region. The airport is expected to improve regional connectivity and support the next phase of development in eastern NCR.The airport, inaugurated on 28 March, has begun passenger services, while cargo operations are also expected to strengthen its role as an economic and logistics hub. Its operationalisation is expected to reduce dependence on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport for residents and busine..

thyssenkrupp and GlobalLogic Form AI Alliance

thyssenkrupp AG and GlobalLogic, a Hitachi Group company, have recently formed a strategic alliance to deploy autonomous robotics and Physical AI across heavy industry operations. The partnership aims to improve safety, reduce engineering bottlenecks and accelerate industrial transformation at scale.The alliance brings together thyssenkrupp’s industrial expertise with Hitachi’s innovation capabilities. It includes GlobalLogic, Method and Hitachi America R&D, creating a “Lab-to-Scale” pipeline that connects research, digital strategy, design and enterprise software engineering for i..

Platinum Corp Launches Luxury Suites in Santacruz

Platinum Corp has recently launched Platinum Stellar: Bespoke Presidential Suites, a premium residential project in Santacruz West, Mumbai. The development is positioned as a boutique luxury offering for homebuyers seeking expansive layouts, privacy and personalised living experiences.Located on Main Avenue, the project has been designed as a low-density, high-end residential address with spacious homes starting from 2,500 sq ft and extending to full-floor residences. The project targets HNIs, business owners and legacy residents from the Bandra-Khar-Santacruz belt.Platinum Stellar has been de..