Work Begins on 3.6-Km Salori-Hetapatti Bridge Over Ganga Between Prayagraj and Varanasi

Construction of a 3.6-km bridge linking Salori and Hetapatti over the Ganga is underway with a 953-crore rupee budget to ease travel between Prayagraj and Varanasi.

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.

What this means for you
The construction of this river crossing will permanently relieve commuters between Prayagraj and Varanasi from chronic bottlenecks on the Shastri Bridge.

• Relief for Commuters: Travel time and fuel costs between Prayagraj and Varanasi will decrease significantly. Motorists can bypass urban traffic jams and transit smoothly between the two historic centers.
• Bypass for Purvanchal and Bihar: Vehicles heading toward Bhadohi, Bihar, and eastern districts will avoid navigating congested city roads. They will connect seamlessly with National Highway 19 to continue onward journeys.
• Freight and Trade Efficiency: Commercial transport will experience fewer bottlenecks, lowering transit turnaround times and logistics costs. Deliveries across the regional trade corridor will become much more predictable.
• Local Connectivity: Residents in and around Salori and Hetapatti will gain a safe, permanent crossing over the river. This will improve access to essential markets, educational centers, and healthcare facilities.

Why this happened
The project was initiated due to severe congestion on the existing Shastri Bridge and the urgent need for a direct high-capacity transit route between the two major regional hubs.

• Capacity Strain on Shastri Bridge: The Shastri Bridge currently handles almost all vehicular traffic between Prayagraj and Varanasi, causing chronic congestion. A parallel crossing was required to split the heavy traffic volume.
• Direct Link to National Highway 19: Urban planners needed a corridor connecting Prayagraj directly to National Highway 19 without funneling traffic through city streets. The new route serves as a fast arterial connection to Varanasi and beyond.
• Timely Budgetary Sanction: The release of 300 crore rupees by the government on January 20, 2026, ensured necessary upfront resources. Falling river water levels subsequently provided the right ground conditions to start site preparations.

Questions & Answers

1. What is the total length of the Salori-Hetapatti bridge?
The bridge will be 3.6 kilometers long across the Ganga river.

2. What is the total estimated cost of this infrastructure project?
The total estimated expenditure for the bridge project is approximately 953 crore rupees.

3. When did the government release the initial funds and how much?
The government released the first installment of 300 crore rupees on January 20, 2026.

4. What is the targeted completion timeline for the bridge?
The construction is targeted for completion within two and a half to three years.

5. How many pillars will support the bridge structure?
A total of 62 pillars will be constructed in the riverbed to support the bridge.

6. Which highway will the new bridge link Prayagraj to?
The bridge will connect Prayagraj directly to National Highway 19, the main Prayagraj-Varanasi route.

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