Prime Minister revealed a ₹650 crore project aimed at building a state-of-the-art six-lane tunnel beneath the runway of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. The tunnel, which is expected to be completed within three years, is part of a broader effort to expand the airport’s capacity and improve the city’s connectivity.
The project, inspired by modern infrastructure in global cities like Singapore, is poised to enhance both the traffic flow and air travel operations in one of India’s most historically rich cities. The tunnel, spanning over 2.5 kilometres, is designed to allow vehicles to pass underneath the airport’s expanded runway, a crucial development as the airport moves towards accommodating more air traffic. The project comes at a time when Varanasi’s infrastructural needs are becoming more urgent, given the growth in tourism and air traffic. The new runway, set to handle more aircraft, would have disrupted traffic flow on the Varanasi-Lucknow National Highway NH-31. To mitigate this, the tunnel will connect the airport flyover to Jaunpur Road, ensuring smooth traffic movement in the surrounding areas, even as the airport’s capacity expands.
One of the key features of this ambitious tunnel is its emphasis on safety and security. The structure will be equipped to handle high-risk scenarios, including potential explosives, ensuring the highest standards of safety for both vehicles and passengers. Vehicles passing through the tunnel will undergo advanced security checks, a necessary precaution given the strategic nature of the infrastructure. In addition to ensuring smoother traffic, the tunnel will also contribute to the city’s broader vision of becoming a world-class destination, enhancing the operational capacity of the airport and offering a glimpse into the future of urban infrastructure in India.
The impact of the tunnel will extend beyond the immediate improvement in traffic management. The airport’s ability to handle up to 110 aircraft—a significant increase from its current capacity of 45—will make Varanasi a more prominent hub for both domestic and international air travel. The design of the airport’s infrastructure allows for two planes to take off or land simultaneously, improving operational efficiency. Furthermore, this project signals a broader trend of modernisation that is happening across the country, with the government seeking to draw inspiration from global cities known for their world-class infrastructure. This approach reflects India’s intent to prepare its cities for the challenges of the future while ensuring sustainability and enhanced public services.
With an estimated cost of ₹650 crores, the tunnel project is a testament to the government’s commitment to modernising urban infrastructure in line with global standards. As India continues to invest in its cities and transportation networks, the development of Varanasi’s airport and its surrounding infrastructure represents a significant step in the city’s evolution. This project, expected to be a model for similar urban developments in other parts of the country, marks a turning point in the integration of technology, security, and sustainability in India’s infrastructure landscape.
For the people of Kashi, this tunnel will not just be a symbol of progress—it will be a testament to the transformative power of strategic urban planning. As Varanasi moves towards becoming a modern metropolis, the six-lane tunnel beneath the airport runway will stand as a shining example of the city’s new identity, blending tradition with modernity to create a sustainable, future-ready urban environment.
Varanasi takes infrastructure leap with tunnel
