In a landmark move for India's infrastructure, construction is progressing on a pioneering project in Uttar Pradesh: a national highway tunnel that will pass directly beneath the runway of Varanasi's international airport. This first-of-its-kind endeavor in the country aims to transform regional connectivity and pave the way for significant airport expansion.
A Pioneering Engineering Feat
The ambitious project involves building a 2.89-kilometer underpass tunnel on National Highway 31. A crucial 450-meter stretch of this tunnel will lie within the boundary of the Varanasi airport, directly under its operational runway. This innovative design allows highway traffic to flow seamlessly underground while aircraft take off and land safely overhead, eliminating dangerous surface-level crossings.
Authorities initiated work on this groundbreaking tunnel in September 2025, marking a major milestone in the region's transport development. With an investment of Rs 250 crore, the project incorporates high-grade safety specifications, including the capacity to withstand blast intensities of up to 100 TNT, ensuring robust protection for both daily commuters and critical aviation operations.
Boosting Aviation and Road Transport
The tunnel's primary benefit is the complete separation of road and air traffic. By moving all vehicular movement underground, it creates a safer and more efficient environment for airport operations. This clearance is essential for the next phase of development planned by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Once the tunnel is operational and traffic is diverted, the AAI will begin extending Varanasi airport's existing 2,745-meter runway to 4,075 meters. This major extension will allow the airport to handle Code E aircraft, which include large wide-body jets like the Boeing 777-337. The result will be a substantial increase in passenger capacity and vastly improved long-haul international connectivity for the region.
A National First with Strategic Importance
While Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport features a road passing through a taxiway, the Varanasi project is set to be the first in India to route a national highway directly beneath an active runway. This sets a new precedent for infrastructure planning in land-constrained areas near major airports.
The project is strategically vital for Varanasi, a city of immense cultural and political significance. It is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2027. The dual advantage of uninterrupted road travel on NH-31 and a future-ready, expanded airport runway positions Varanasi as a key logistics and transit hub in Uttar Pradesh, driving economic growth and tourism.
