Parliament Question: Construction of Interchange on Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6403 ANSWERED ON 02ND APRIL, 2026 CONSTRUCTION OF INTERCHANGE ON VARANASI-KOLKATA EXPRESSWAY 6403. SHRI DULU MAHATO: Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has received any representation regarding construction of an interchange on the Varanasi-Kolkata expressway at Araju (Barwadih) in Bokaro and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the Government is aware that absence of an interchange at this location will deprive nearly three lakh population of Giridih, Dhanbad and Purulia from its benefits and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government is aware that the presently proposed interchange is located thirty kilometres away which is impractical for local farmers and emergency medical needs, if so, the details thereof; and (d) whether the Government will consider construction of an entry-exit point at this location while prioritising economic development and last mile connectivity and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI) (a) to (d) The interchange has been proposed at Km. 357+200 (Lepo Village) on the Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway at the crossing with NH-320, as per the Concession/Contract Agreement. It will give connectivity on Varanasi- Kolkata Expressway to the commuters coming from Giridh, Dhanbad, BokaroDistricts through NH-19, NH-18 and NH-320 which has already been developed as 4/6 lane Highway. Interchange on Expressway has been planned to ensure safe and efficient movement of traffic between Expressway and National Highway/State Highway (NH/SH) crossing only and accordingly, the location of the proposed interchange at Km. 357+200 (Lepo Village) has been finalized considering technical feasibility, traffic studies and safety norms. Further, a Vehicular Underpass (VUP) has been proposed at Araju (Barwadih) in Bokaro for crossing of local farmers and emergency medical needs. The entry / exit through slip road at this location is under examination. *****