Cabinet likely to approve Rs 25,000 crore Ganga, Varuna corridors for Varanasi

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet is likely to approve two major elevated road projects in Varanasi on Wednesday (today) — the Ganga Corridor and the Varuna Corridor — with a combined investment of nearly Rs 25,000 crore to ease traffic congestion in the holy city.TOI has learnt that the first project, the Ganga Elevated Corridor, will be a six-lane, 46-km highway linking NH-19 with the Varanasi Ring Road through a riverfront alignment along the Ganga. The project is aimed at decongesting the city while significantly improving connectivity.Once completed, the corridor is expected to increase the average travel speed fivefold to around 100 kmph and reduce travel time by nearly 67%, from the current 60 minutes to about 20 minutes.During an inter-ministerial appraisal meeting, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) described the Ganga Elevated Corridor as a riverfront-oriented infrastructure and tourism development project designed to improve accessibility to the Ganga riverfront while minimising the impact on existing habitations and built-up areas.According to the authority, the proposed alignment follows the river corridor and includes a cable-stayed bridge that is intended to serve as a landmark riverfront asset. The project also envisages designated viewpoints and visitor spaces offering panoramic views of the Ganga and the ghats on the opposite bank, thereby enhancing the city's tourism appeal."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," officials said.The Cabinet is also expected to clear the Varuna Corridor, a 43.2-km elevated link connecting NH-31 with the Varanasi Ring Road along the Varuna river. The project, which includes flyovers, loops, ramps and link roads, is estimated to cost around Rs 11,000 crore.The two projects assume significance as Varanasi receives nearly 15 crore tourists and pilgrims annually, making efficient urban mobility essential for managing the city's growing traffic and pilgrimage-related travel demand.Cabinet may approve urea-related schemes The Cabinet is also likely to approve three policy issues related to the urea sector. TOI has learnt that it may take up the new energy norms for new urea units and continuation of urea subsidy. Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.