Varanasi Airport Mega Project: Runway Ke Neeche

Varanasi is witnessing one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in eastern India, as construction begins on a six-lane tunnel beneath the runway of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. Once completed, vehicles will move through the tunnel while aircraft operate on an extended runway above it—an engineering feat rarely seen in the country.

The project involves shifting National Highway-31 underground near Babatpur, allowing the airport runway to be extended from its current length of 2,745 metres to 4,075 metres. The expansion is expected to significantly enhance aircraft operations, including the handling of larger aircraft and improved landings during low-visibility conditions such as dense fog.

The total estimated cost of the project stands at approximately ₹652 crore, out of which around ₹362 crore is allocated specifically for the tunnel and associated infrastructure. The work is being executed under the supervision of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

To ensure safety and uninterrupted movement, the tunnel is being equipped with modern facilities, including CCTV surveillance, security sentry posts, a dedicated drainage system, and sump wells for water management. These measures aim to keep the tunnel operational even during heavy rainfall or monsoon conditions.

Beyond airport expansion, the project is expected to ease traffic congestion on the Lucknow–Varanasi corridor and improve overall connectivity in Purvanchal. Officials describe the development as a long-term investment in regional mobility, aviation capacity, and economic growth.