Varanasi to get major logistics boost with new MMLP
Varanasi is set to emerge as a key logistics hub with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) for the development of a state-of-the-art Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP). Spread over 150 acres, this ambitious project aims to revolutionise the region’s logistics landscape by integrating road, rail, and waterways for seamless cargo movement. Witnessed by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the agreement signifies a major push towards enhancing India’s freight management capabilities.
The proposed logistics park will be strategically positioned to leverage multiple transport corridors, ensuring efficient connectivity for trade and commerce. Located merely 1.5 km from the intersection of National Highways 7 and 2, the facility will be directly accessible via a dedicated 650-metre road. Additionally, its proximity to the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor through a 5.1 km rail line from Jeonathpur Station is expected to significantly reduce logistics costs and transit times. Strengthening its multi-modal character, the park will also have access to National Waterway-1, facilitating cargo movement via inland waterways, while its location 30 km from Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport adds another layer of connectivity.
Authorities believe that the establishment of the MMLP in Varanasi will unlock substantial economic potential, fostering large-scale investments and creating extensive employment opportunities. By streamlining logistics operations, the initiative aligns with India’s broader objective of lowering freight costs and enhancing trade efficiency. Government officials have stated that the park will serve as a catalyst for regional development, drawing industries, and strengthening the supply chain network across the northern belt. With an emphasis on sustainability, the facility will incorporate eco-friendly infrastructure, promoting greener transport alternatives to reduce the carbon footprint of freight movement.
As the logistics sector undergoes rapid transformation, this development underscores India’s commitment to modernising its transportation ecosystem. The integration of multiple transport modes at a single hub not only optimises cargo handling but also reinforces the government’s vision of positioning the country as a global logistics powerhouse. The MMLP at Varanasi is poised to set a benchmark for future projects, demonstrating how smart logistics planning can contribute to economic resilience and urban sustainability. With this initiative, the city is gearing up to become a crucial node in the national freight network, strengthening its role in India’s infrastructural growth story.
