Narendra Modi inaugurates national highway and waterway projects in Varanasi. More details here!

15 Nov 2018 CW Team

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the first multi-modal waterways terminal on the Ganga river under the government’s Jal Marg Vikas Project. The project aims to develop the stretch of the river between Varanasi and Haldia so that large vessels weighing up to 1,500 to 2,000 tonne can navigate.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is executing the project, and the project is aimed at promoting inland waterways as a reasonable and eco-friendly means of transportation, particularly for cargo movement. The World Bank is providing technical assistance and monetary support for developing National Waterway-1 (Haldia-Varanasi stretch). The total cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 53.69 billion, which will be equally shared between the Government of India and the World Bank.

Under this project, three multi-modal terminals (Varanasi, Sahibganj and Haldia), two inter-modal terminals, five roll-on-roll-off (Ro-Ro) terminal pairs, new navigation lock at Farakka, assured depth dredging, integrated vessel repair and maintenance facility will be constructed. It will also come up with differential global positioning system (DGPS), river information system (RIS) and river training.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated an inland waterways project and two national highways in Varanasi. The total length of the two national highways stands at 34 km and have been built at a cost of Rs 15.71 billion. As reported, the four-laning and development of the 17.25-km-long Babatpur-Varanasi Road on NH-56 has come up at a cost of Rs 8.12 billion and the 16.55-km Varanasi Ring Road Phase-I has cost nearly Rs 7.59 billion. The Babatpur Airport Highway will act as a link between Varanasi and the airport, and will go on to connect Sultanpur, Jaunpur and Lucknow. The Ring Road will have two road overbridges (ROBs) and a flyover, which will decrease traffic, pollution and fuel usage on NH-56 (Lucknow-Varanasi), NH-233 (Azamgarh-Varanasi), NH-29 (Gorakhpur-Varanasi) and Ayodhya-Varanasi highway. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the first multi-modal waterways terminal on the Ganga river under the government’s Jal Marg Vikas Project. The project aims to develop the stretch of the river between Varanasi and Haldia so that large vessels weighing up to 1,500 to 2,000 tonne can navigate. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is executing the project, and the project is aimed at promoting inland waterways as a reasonable and eco-friendly means of transportation, particularly for cargo movement. The World Bank is providing technical assistance and monetary support for developing National Waterway-1 (Haldia-Varanasi stretch). The total cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 53.69 billion, which will be equally shared between the Government of India and the World Bank. Under this project, three multi-modal terminals (Varanasi, Sahibganj and Haldia), two inter-modal terminals, five roll-on-roll-off (Ro-Ro) terminal pairs, new navigation lock at Farakka, assured depth dredging, integrated vessel repair and maintenance facility will be constructed. It will also come up with differential global positioning system (DGPS), river information system (RIS) and river training.

Real Estate

03 Apr 2026

Loomcraft Enters South India with Kerala Store Launch

Loomcraft has launched its exclusive store in Kerala, marking its entry into South India and a key step in its nationwide expansion strategy. The move targets a region driven by tourism and premium real estate demand, where outdoor spaces play a central role in hospitality and residential experiences.Kerala’s growing base of luxury resorts, boutique hotels, villas and gated communities has created strong demand for specialised outdoor furniture. However, the region has remained underserved, with buyers relying on imports or generic products not suited to humid, coastal and monsoon-heavy cond..

Building Material

03 Apr 2026

Mild Steel Prices Seen Rising to Rs 61,000 Per Tonne

Mild steel prices in India, currently around Rs 58,000 per tonne, are expected to rise to nearly Rs 61,000 per tonne in April, indicating an increase of about Rs 3,000 per tonne. The anticipated rise reflects structural pressures driven by geopolitical tensions, energy constraints and limited raw material availability.Ongoing global conflict has disrupted energy markets, leading to LNG shortages that are affecting domestic steel production. Small and mid-sized manufacturers, particularly those dependent on gas-based processes, are witnessing production cuts due to constrained energy supply, re..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Mar 2026

Vedanta Expands Transgender Workforce to 75 Employees

Vedanta has strengthened its commitment to workplace inclusion by employing 75 transgender individuals across its businesses, including Vedanta Aluminium, Hindustan Zinc, Sesa Goa, FACOR and Cairn Oil & Gas. The initiative reflects sustained hiring efforts since 2022 to build equitable opportunities across operations, corporate and technical roles.Transgender employees are engaged in functions such as operations, finance, logistics, HR, CSR, healthcare and security, with provisions for internal mobility to support career progression. The company has implemented structured policies, includi..