- By Aditya Jha
- Sat, 06 Dec 2025 06:14 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Kolkata-Chandauli Expressway: In a major update for the commuters, the expressway between Uttar Pradesh's Chandauli and Kolkata is expected to reduce the travel time from 16 hours to just six hours. Built under the Bharatala project, the much-awaited expressway is expected to begin operation by 2028. The project will significantly boost the regional connectivity by passing through several districts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Apart from improving the connectivity, the expressway is also likely to boost the financial activities. The officials stated that the key expressway is being built to directly connect the key cities, including Varanasi, Ranchi, and Kolkata.
While providing details, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) officials stated that the 686-km-long expressway will be built with approximately Rs 24,275 crore. They further stated that the project will connect the key cities of three states, adding that it will boost the connectivity by reducing the traffic congestion. The expressway will pass through Bhabua, Sasaram, Aurangabad, Bokaro, Ranchi, and Purulia to reach Kolkata.
"Construction on the 413-kilometer Jharkhand (Ranchi)-Varanasi section is in various stages of physical progress. Work has been stalled at several locations due to forest clearance delays and other reasons. Acquired land in Chandauli has been cleared. Construction has accelerated. The project will take approximately three years to complete," Sanchit Mangla, Project Manager, was quoted as saying by Jagran.Com.
Apart from connecting Varanasi to Kolkata, the project will also directly connect Kolkata to Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir through a series of expressways, including the Purvanchal Expressway, Agra-Lucknow Expressway, and Yamuna Expressway. The officials also stated that the project will also connect Rajasthan via the Chambal Expressway through the Agra-Lucknow Expressway.