Commuters traveling between the twin heritage cities of Prayagraj and Varanasi currently depend on the Shastri Bridge, which remains choked with heavy traffic throughout the day. To provide an alternative and relieve this congestion, ground-level work has started on an expansive new bridge across the Ganga. As river water levels receded, construction began on the Salori-Hetapatti link, which will significantly reduce travel distance and drive times once completed.
A 3.6-Kilometer Span from Salori to Hetapatti
The engineering project involves building a 3.6-kilometer bridge connecting the Salori area, located near IIRT in Prayagraj, straight across to Hetapatti on the opposite bank. The State Bridge Corporation, tasked with executing the project, has deployed road rollers to create access roads leading down to the riverbed. The foundation plan relies on 62 supporting pillars across the stretch, with groundwork on the sub-surface structures commencing as soon as river currents dropped.
Budget of 953 Crore Rupees and a Three-Year Deadline
The total capital outlay for the Salori-Hetapatti bridge is estimated at 953 crore rupees, with an execution target set between two and a half to three years. Financial support has already started rolling in, with the government releasing an initial tranche of 300 crore rupees on January 20, 2026. This upfront funding allows the construction agency to push forward with heavy structural work without facing initial resource bottlenecks.
Direct Access to National Highway 19 and Relief for Purvanchal
Once operational, the bridge will connect Prayagraj directly with National Highway 19, the main trunk corridor running toward Varanasi. Diverting traffic from the overburdened Shastri Bridge will also bring substantial logistical relief to passengers and freight heading toward Bhadohi, Bihar, and the wider Purvanchal region. The direct bypass will prevent long tailbacks inside city limits, speeding up intercity trade and everyday transit.
