137-year-old iconic Malviya Bridge set for Rs 2,642 crore upgrade: 5 key facts

Malviya Bridge, standing tall over the sacred Ganges in Varanasi for 137 years, is more than just an architectural marvel. Inaugurated in 1887 and originally named The Dufferin Bridge, this steel truss bridge has witnessed the passage of time, culture, and history.
Now, a new chapter is being written about this iconic structure. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently announced a monumental upgrade. The construction of a new bridge, a dual-decked wonder that will support four railway lines below and a six-lane highway above.
This transformation will make the Malviya Bridge one of the largest traffic-handling bridges in the world, at a staggering cost of Rs 2,642 Crores.
Once completed, the new Malviya Bridge will rank amongst the world’s largest in terms of traffic capacity, supporting both high-speed trains and heavy vehicular traffic.
“The bridge is 137 years old and has completed its intended lifespan, but it is still in very good shape due to proper maintenance. I conducted an inspection two years ago, and the technical team regularly inspects and maintains the bridge,” Ashwani Vaishnaw said.
He added, “We have now decided to build a new bridge, which will have four railway lines on the lower deck and a six-lane highway on the upper deck. This bridge will be counted amongst the biggest in the world in terms of traffic capacity,”
“It is necessary because this corridor is a major route connecting the entire east-north and east-west regions. Over the Ganges, this bridge serves as a significant landmark and a critical connecting link in this corridor,” said Ashwani Vaishnaw.
Let’s dive deeper into five key aspects that make this bridge not only unique but also an essential lifeline for Varanasi and the country: