Cabinet Approves Ganga, Varuna Corridors: PM Modi's Rs 25,000 Crore Bet To Transform Kashi
The Indian Union Cabinet has approved two major infrastructure projects in Varanasi, the Ganga and Varuna Corridors, with a total investment of Rs 25,000 crore. These elevated road projects aim to significantly reduce traffic congestion and boost tourism in the city.
Why it matters
Large-scale infrastructure investment in a major cultural and political hub like Varanasi reflects broader national development priorities and urban planning strategies.
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved two ambitious elevated road projects -- the Ganga Corridor and the Varuna Corridor -- with a combined investment of nearly Rs 25,000 crore. Together, the projects are expected to dramatically improve mobility in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency Varanasi. The twin projects are also expected to give a major push to tourism and urban development in one of the world's oldest cities.The larger of the two, the 46-km six-lane Ganga Elevated Corridor, will connect NH-19 with the Varanasi Ring Road through a riverfront alignment along the Ganga. Designed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the corridor aims to reduce pressure on the city's congested roads while preserving existing habitations.Once operational, the expressway is expected to raise average travel speeds to nearly 100 km per hour -- almost five times the current pace.
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