Multi-modal terminal at Varanasi to be major logistic gateway

Jan 30, 2017: The multi-modal terminal at Varanasi connecting north India to the eastern and north- eastern states, extending up to Bangladesh, is set to emerge as a major logistics gateway, says the Shipping Ministry.

The ongoing construction of the Varanasi terminal that will have waterway, rail and road connectivity is part of the government's Rs 5,369 crore Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP).

The terminal is likely to improve India's transport modal mix that imposes huge logistics cost on the economy, Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari said.

Gadkari had laid the foundation stone of the multi-modal terminal at Varanasi in August 2016.

The phase 1 of the Rs 170-crore multi-modal terminal would be ready by August 2018.

The terminal will have road and rail connectivity with proposed links on NH-7 and Jeonathpur railway station, respectively. It will have facilities such as berthing space for two vessels simultaneously, storage area, transit shed, parking areas, among others.

Photo Credit: The Wire