The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the development of a 43.218-km six/four-lane elevated corridor along the Varuna River in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, at a total capital cost of ₹10,998.32 crore. The project, to be implemented by NHAI under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), will cut travel time by 50%, improve connectivity and strengthen multimodal transport under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
Key Highlights
- CCEA approves ₹10,998.32 crore elevated corridor project in Varanasi.
- 43.218-km 6/4-lane corridor to connect NH-31 with Varanasi Ring Road.
- Travel time between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station to reduce from 40 minutes to 20 minutes.
- Project to boost regional connectivity, logistics, tourism and economic growth under PM Gati Shakti.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 43.218-km six/four-lane elevated corridor along the Varuna River in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, at a total capital cost of ₹10,998.32 crore. The project will be executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) and forms a key part of the Varanasi Decongestion Plan aimed at improving urban mobility and reducing traffic congestion.
The proposed corridor will establish seamless connectivity between NH-31 and the Varanasi Ring Road, while providing faster access to Kashi Railway Station, Varanasi Junction, Varanasi City Railway Station, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Varanasi Airport, Ramnagar Port, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University and the iconic ghats of Varanasi. Designed for an operational speed of 80–100 kmph, the corridor will reduce travel time between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station from around 40 minutes to just 20 minutes, significantly improving daily commuting and freight movement.
The project will also enhance regional logistics and multimodal connectivity by improving access to the Chandauli Social Economic Zone, Chandauli district, and six major logistics nodes. Developed in line with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the corridor will facilitate the efficient transportation of agricultural produce, industrial goods, construction materials and minerals, reducing logistics costs while strengthening eastern Uttar Pradesh’s economic infrastructure.
Besides easing congestion, the elevated corridor will improve road safety, reduce vehicle operating costs and lower travel delays, contributing to better fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability. The Government expects the project to support tourism, trade, investment and urban development while creating a modern, access-controlled transport network that enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors to Varanasi, one of India’s most important religious, cultural and economic centres.
The ₹10,998 crore Varuna River Elevated Corridor represents a major infrastructure investment that will transform urban mobility in Varanasi. By improving connectivity, reducing congestion, strengthening logistics and promoting sustainable economic development, the project will reinforce the city’s position as a key transportation and tourism hub in eastern India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What has the Cabinet approved?
The Cabinet has approved the development of a 43.218-km elevated corridor along the Varuna River in Varanasi at a cost of ₹10,998.32 crore.
Q2. Who will implement the project?
The project will be implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).
Q3. How much travel time will the project save?
Travel time between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station will reduce from around 40 minutes to 20 minutes.
Q4. What are the major benefits of the project?
The project will improve urban mobility, logistics efficiency, regional connectivity, tourism, road safety and economic development across eastern Uttar Pradesh.
