2 Varanasi highway projects worth Rs 25,44 cr approved - how they will affect commuters
The Indian government has approved two major highway projects in Varanasi to improve infrastructure and decongest the city. The projects involve elevated corridors along the Varuna and Ganga rivers to facilitate faster travel.
Why it matters
Infrastructure development in historic cities is a key government priority for economic growth and tourism management in India.
NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Wednesday approved two highway projects to further strengthen infrastructure in Varanasi (Kashi) by constructing a 43.2-km, predominantly 6/4-lane elevated corridor along the Varuna riverbank and a 46.04-km, predominantly six-lane elevated corridor connecting NH-19 with the Varanasi Ring Road along the Ganga riverbank.Ashwini Vaishnaw began the briefing with a playful "Khai Ke Paan Banaras Waala" remark before detailing the Cabinet's approval for the Varuna river corridor project."If we look at Banaras (Kashi) today, around 15 crore tourists visit Kashi every year. It is a very large number, and it is growing rapidly because the Prime Minister has instilled a renewed sense of pride in India's heritage," Vaishnaw said. "A great deal of infrastructure development has already taken place in Kashi.
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