Cabinet Set to Approve Rs 25,000 Crore Elevated Corridors in Varanasi
The Union Cabinet is expected to approve two major elevated road projects in Varanasi on Wednesday — the Ganga Corridor and the Varuna Corridor — with a combined investment of nearly Rs 25,000 crore, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The first project, the Ganga Elevated Corridor, is a six-lane, 46-km highway that will connect NH-19 with the Varanasi Ring Road along the Ganga riverfront. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has described the corridor as a riverfront-oriented infrastructure and tourism development project. It aims to improve connectivity while minimising impact on existing habitations and built-up areas.
The project includes a cable-stayed bridge designed as a landmark riverfront asset. Designated viewpoints and visitor spaces will offer panoramic views of the Ganga and the ghats on the opposite bank, enhancing the city's tourism appeal. Officials said the corridor is expected to increase average travel speed fivefold to around 100 kmph and reduce travel time by nearly 67% — from 60 minutes to about 20 minutes.
The second project, the Varuna Corridor, is a 43.2-km elevated link connecting NH-31 with the Varanasi Ring Road along the Varuna river. Estimated to cost around Rs 11,000 crore, it includes flyovers, loops, ramps, and link roads.
These projects are significant for Varanasi, which receives nearly 15 crore tourists and pilgrims annually. Efficient urban mobility is essential to manage the city's growing traffic and pilgrimage-related travel demand.
In addition to the road projects, the Cabinet is also likely to discuss three policy issues related to the urea sector, including new energy norms for new urea units and continuation of urea subsidy. Specific details on these proposals were not immediately available.
