Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 15: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the construction of a new 43.218-km corridor aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Varanasi. The ambitious infrastructure project, estimated at Rs 10,998.32 crore, will connect NH-31 with the Varanasi Ring Road along the River Varuna, significantly improving urban mobility in the temple city.
The project will feature a largely elevated six/four-lane access-controlled corridor equipped with flyovers, service roads, ramps, loops and a main carriageway. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will execute the project under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). According to the Cabinet, the total cost includes Rs 4,565.33 crore for civil construction and Rs 934.91 crore earmarked for land acquisition.
The proposed corridor forms a key part of the government's broader Varanasi Decongestion Plan. It is expected to establish smooth connectivity between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station while improving access to several major transport and public infrastructure hubs, including the Varanasi Ring Road, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi Junction, Varanasi City Railway Station, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Ramnagar Port, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, the city's renowned ghats and the neighbouring Chandauli district.
Planned for operating speeds of 80 to 100 kmph, the new route is projected to cut travel time between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station from around 40 minutes to just 20 minutes. Officials said the corridor will ease pressure on the city's overcrowded roads, improve traffic safety, lower vehicle operating costs and enable faster movement of both passenger and freight vehicles.
The infrastructure upgrade is also expected to strengthen regional connectivity by linking Chandauli's socio-economic zone, improving access to the Chandauli region and connecting six important logistics hubs. The project aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, promoting better integration of road, rail and port infrastructure while enhancing the transportation of agricultural produce, industrial goods, construction materials and minerals across eastern Uttar Pradesh.
According to the government, the new corridor will not only transform urban transportation in Varanasi but also support tourism, boost trade and logistics, encourage economic development and improve the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike.