Cabinet likely to clear Rs 25,000 crore Varanasi corridor projects

The Union Cabinet is likely to approve two major elevated corridor projects in Varanasi worth nearly Rs 25,000 crore, aimed at easing congestion and improving connectivity in one of India’s busiest pilgrimage destinations, according to a Times of India report.

The proposed Ganga Elevated Corridor and Varuna Corridor are expected to improve urban mobility in the city, which receives nearly 15 crore (150 million) tourists and pilgrims every year.

The Ganga Elevated Corridor will be a six-lane, 46-km highway connecting NH-19 with the Varanasi Ring Road through an alignment along the Ganga riverfront. The project is expected to reduce travel time from around 60 minutes to nearly 20 minutes while increasing average travel speeds to nearly 100 kmph.

During an inter-ministerial appraisal meeting, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) described the project as a riverfront-oriented infrastructure and tourism initiative that would improve accessibility to the Ganga while minimising the impact on existing residential areas and built-up neighbourhoods, the report said.

The proposed alignment includes a cable-stayed bridge envisioned as a landmark structure along the riverfront. Dedicated viewpoints and visitor spaces overlooking the Ganga and the ghats on the opposite bank are also planned to enhance the tourism experience.

Officials were quoted in the report as saying, “NHAI has envisaged the Ganga Corridor not merely as a transport project but as a tourism- and destination-oriented urban infrastructure initiative.”

“The cable-stayed bridge is a key component in achieving the project’s broader objectives of riverfront enhancement, place-making and tourism promotion, while also providing seamless connectivity,” they said.

The Cabinet is also expected to consider the 43.2-km Varuna Corridor, which will connect NH-31 with the Varanasi Ring Road. The project, estimated to cost around Rs 11,000 crore, will feature flyovers, ramps, loops and link roads.

Together, the two elevated corridors are expected to improve traffic movement across Varanasi, particularly during peak pilgrimage seasons, while strengthening the city’s transport infrastructure.