. NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved two major elevated road projects in Varanasi — Ganga Corridor and Varuna Corridor — aimed at easing traffic congestion in the holy city and providing high speed connectivity from two national highways and the Ring Road. The two roads to be built with a design speed of 100 kmph compared to existing roads where vehicles crawl at 20 kmph will cost Rs 25,446 crore.Announcing the decisions, I&B minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the projects are critical considering that the holy city gets more than 15 crore tourists and pilgrims every year. He said these roads will improve connectivity to major religious, educational and cultural landmarks, including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Namo Ghat, Ramnagar Fort, Ghats of Varanasi, and Kashi railway station.In posts on X, PM Narendra Modi said, “We are resolute in making darshan of Baba Vishwanath in Varanasi even more accessible and convenient with the expansion of connectivity in Uttar Pradesh. “ He added that the construction of a 6/4-lane elevated corridor along the banks of Varuna river will not only serve as a model for other cities of cultural importance, but will also make the lives of people easier through infrastructure development. He also said that the 6-lane corridor along the banks of the Ganga will “further improve access to the city’s major religious, educational, and cultural sites. At the same time, the reduced pressure on the road network will make commuting even smoother. This project will accelerate economic development in Purvanchal.”Govt said the 46-km Ganga Corridor will have a 6-lane elevated main carriageway, an iconic cable-stayed bridge, extra-dosed footover bridge-cum-major bridge, loops, ramps, link roads, and service roads. It will decongest the NH-19 (Prayagraj–Varanasi) and will also decongest the traffic from BHU-Ramnagar, NH-35 (Varanasi–Mirzapur). “It will reduce average travel time across the area from around 60 minutes to about 20 minutes.The 43-km Varuna Corridor will significantly decongest the city core and address chronic traffic congestion, govt said. Officials said this will reduce travel time between NH-31 to Kashi railway station from 40 minutes to 20 minutes.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“Party Is Sinking”: Mamata’s Loyalist Crosses Over To Ritabrata Camp; TMC Crack Deepens’Serious Risk’ To India’s Largest Nuclear Plant Kudankulam After Files Leaked On Dark Web: ReportRahul Gandhi Steps In As Punjab Congress Infighting Threatens 2027 Election PreparationsExplained: Why PM Modi’s July 17 Punjab Visit Is Politically Crucial Ahead Of Assembly ElectionsHigh Profile Political Meeting Rekindle Talk Of NCP Unity In Maharashtra; Patil Denies BuzzKGMU Bars Cooking Of Non-Veg Food In Hostels After Governor Flags Issue At ConvocationIndia-UK FTA: What Gets Cheaper, How Exporters Benefit And Why The Deal MattersTMC Rift Deepens As Kalyan Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack On Abhishek And I-PACMP Draft UCC Proposes Jail For Unregistered Live-In Relationships, Mandatory RegistrationMajor Blow To TMC As 20 Rebel MPs Move Closer To Official NCPI Recognition | Watch123PhotostoriesWorld’s 10 most peaceful countries in 2026: Safe, scenic and travel-friendlyEye doctor reveals the 7 everyday habits they never skip to protect their vision, and why these simple daily choices matter9 Vastu Tips to Attract Love into Your LifeWhy the Adhar Pana prasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is spilled on the floor and humans are forbidden to consume itYoung, slim, and feeling perfectly fine? Why more Indians are being diagnosed with prediabetes without any warning signsThese 5 giant pet cats are so big, people mistake them for wild animals10 baby girl names inspired by Japanese seasons and cherry blossom traditions“Send your child far away…”: Acharya Prashant says this one parenting decision can help children grow into independent adultsHermès, Chanel, and beyond: Inside the designer bag collections of the World Cup’s elite footballers9 signs someone is emotionally safe to date, according to psychologists123Hot PicksNBA Trade RumorsHow to Watch FIFA World CupMichael JordanKylian MbappeBengaluru ProfessorCarol RuckdeschelRussia Saction BillNBA tradeMinecraft Bedrock 26.40.31 BetaTop TrendingIND U19 vs SL U19Prashant KishorFIFA World Cup 2026Nitin GadkariBengaluru Student SuicideTwisha Sharma Murder CaseLeo CarlssonTaslima NasrinGujarat RapeIran war
NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved two major elevated road projects in Varanasi — Ganga Corridor and Varuna Corridor — aimed at easing traffic congestion in the holy city and providing high speed connectivity from two national highways and the Ring Road. The two roads to be built with a design speed of 100 kmph compared to existing roads where vehicles crawl at 20 kmph will cost Rs 25,446 crore.Announcing the decisions, I&B minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the projects are critical considering that the holy city gets more than 15 crore tourists and pilgrims every year. He said these roads will improve connectivity to major religious, educational and cultural landmarks, including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Namo Ghat, Ramnagar Fort, Ghats of Varanasi, and Kashi railway station.In posts on X, PM Narendra Modi said, “We are resolute in making darshan of Baba Vishwanath in Varanasi even more accessible and convenient with the expansion of connectivity in Uttar Pradesh. “ He added that the construction of a 6/4-lane elevated corridor along the banks of Varuna river will not only serve as a model for other cities of cultural importance, but will also make the lives of people easier through infrastructure development. He also said that the 6-lane corridor along the banks of the Ganga will “further improve access to the city’s major religious, educational, and cultural sites. At the same time, the reduced pressure on the road network will make commuting even smoother. This project will accelerate economic development in Purvanchal.”Govt said the 46-km Ganga Corridor will have a 6-lane elevated main carriageway, an iconic cable-stayed bridge, extra-dosed footover bridge-cum-major bridge, loops, ramps, link roads, and service roads. It will decongest the NH-19 (Prayagraj–Varanasi) and will also decongest the traffic from BHU-Ramnagar, NH-35 (Varanasi–Mirzapur). “It will reduce average travel time across the area from around 60 minutes to about 20 minutes.The 43-km Varuna Corridor will significantly decongest the city core and address chronic traffic congestion, govt said. Officials said this will reduce travel time between NH-31 to Kashi railway station from 40 minutes to 20 minutes.
