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Varanasi International Airport is set to host India's first tunnel running beneath an active runway, part of a project costing INR 250 crore. Spanning nearly 450 metres, the tunnel will allow National Highway 31 traffic to flow below while aircraft operate above, minimizing disruption. Designed with blast-resistant safety measures, the underpass also facilitates plans to extend the airport runway to accommodate larger aircraft like Boeing 777s. Scheduled for completion in 2027, the tunnel will improve connectivity in eastern India and support the airport's expansion and long-term growth.
Construction has begun on a tunnel under the active runway at Varanasi International Airport, a project estimated at INR 250 crore. The tunnel, part of a 2.89 kilometre stretch of National Highway 31, will span approximately 450 metres and carry vehicles beneath the runway, allowing flights to continue without interruption. Engineers have incorporated safety measures to make the structure blast-resistant, ensuring protection for commuters and aircraft operations. Advertisement
This underpass is being designed to prevent any surface crossing of vehicles, which will reduce interference with airport operations and improve traffic flow. Officials have stated that the tunnel will also support airport development by enabling the runway extension. Once completed, the runway will be lengthened from 2,745 metres to 4,075 metres, allowing the airport to handle larger Code E aircraft such as Boeing 777s. This will enhance long-haul connectivity and strengthen Varanasi as a regional aviation hub.
The Airports Authority of India has noted that the tunnel project draws inspiration from existing roadways beneath airport infrastructure in India but will be the first where a national highway passes directly under an active runway. Work on the tunnel is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2027, after which both traffic and airport operations will benefit from improved coordination.
In addition to facilitating safe traffic flow, the tunnel is expected to improve overall airport efficiency, reduce potential delays for passengers and cargo, and support the broader infrastructure expansion plans in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Engineers involved in the project have highlighted that the tunnel's design accounts for high-stress conditions and is built to maintain long-term durability, even under heavy traffic and aircraft operations.
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