Approval Granted for Two Major Varanasi Highway Projects Valued at Rs 25,446 Crore: Impact on Commuters

NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved two significant highway projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure in Varanasi. The initiatives include a 43.2-km elevated corridor along the Varuna riverbank and a 46.04-km elevated corridor connecting NH-19 with the Varanasi Ring Road along the Ganga riverbank. These projects are designed to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in the region.

Varuna River Corridor Project

The Varuna river corridor project will be implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). It will connect NH-31 with the Varanasi Ring Road through a predominantly elevated corridor featuring flyovers, ramps, loops, service roads, and the main carriageway. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw referred to it as the “Varuna Expressway,” emphasizing its role in enhancing connectivity and alleviating congestion in the city.

The corridor is a vital part of the Varanasi Decongestion Plan. It will provide seamless access to key locations such as Kashi Railway Station, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, and the city’s ghats. Designed for speeds of 80-100 kmph, the project aims to reduce travel time between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station from 40 minutes to 20 minutes, while also improving road safety and reducing vehicle operating costs.

Ganga River Corridor Project

The CCEA also approved a Rs 14,447.64-crore project for a 46.04-km elevated corridor along the Ganga riverbank. This corridor will connect National Highway-19 with the Varanasi Ring Road and is intended to ease traffic congestion and enhance connectivity throughout the city. Like the Varuna project, it will be executed by NHAI under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).

The new corridor will feature an elevated main carriageway, an iconic cable-stayed bridge, and various other structures to facilitate traffic flow. It is expected to reduce average travel time across the project area from 60 minutes to 20 minutes, and travel time between NH-19 and Kashi Railway Station from approximately 50 minutes to 25 minutes. The project aims to strengthen multimodal connectivity and improve access to major highways, railway stations, and key cultural landmarks in Varanasi.

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