Six-Lane Corridor Planned for Airport Link Road in Varanasi

A key road connecting the Varanasi–Lucknow National Highway 31 to Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is set to be widened into a six-lane corridor, marking another step in the infrastructure development of Varanasi.

The project has been approved at an estimated cost of ₹63.57 crore and will expand the existing road to a width of about 44.5 metres across a stretch of nearly 970 metres. Authorities say the upgraded corridor will also include decorative Victoria-style lighting, aimed at improving night visibility and enhancing the visual appeal of the airport approach road.

Increasing Traffic Around the Airport

Currently, the road serving the airport is a four-lane stretch, but passenger traffic has been steadily increasing over the years. Officials estimate that 10,000 to 11,000 passengers travel through this route daily, including both domestic and international tourists visiting the city.

The road is also an important link for nearby localities such as Dharmanpur, Sarai Takki, Dallipur, Mangari, Babatpur Railway Station and Baikunthpur, connecting them to the national highway network.

Key Features of the Project

According to officials from the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department, the new corridor will include:

Two 9-metre wide main carriageways

A 2.5-metre central median

7-metre wide service roads on both sides

Road separators and underground utility ducts

Improved drainage systems

Plantation along the median and dividers to add greenery

These additions are intended not only to manage increasing traffic but also to create a more organized and aesthetically pleasing entry route to the airport.

Expected Impact

Officials believe the six-lane expansion will reduce congestion, improve travel time, and make access to the airport smoother for passengers and local commuters. With tourism in Varanasi continuing to grow, the upgraded road is expected to serve as a modern gateway for visitors arriving in the city.

Once completed, the project is likely to significantly improve traffic flow and strengthen connectivity between the national highway and the airport, supporting the city’s broader infrastructure development plans.