Cabinet approves Rs 25,000 cr Ganga, Varuna corridors for Varanasi

NEW DELHI, The Union Cabinet has given its approval for two ambitious elevated road projects in Varanasi, collectively valued at Rs 25,446 crore. These projects, known as the Ganga Corridor and the Varuna Corridor, aim to alleviate severe traffic congestion in the city and enhance high-speed connectivity between key locations such as national highways, the Ring Road, and major tourist attractions. The Ganga Corridor, spanning 46 kilometers, will feature a six-lane elevated main carriageway, an iconic cable-stayed bridge, an extra-dosed footover bridge-cum-major bridge, loops, ramps, link roads, and service roads. The project is designed to operate at a speed of 100 kmph, which is significantly faster than the current average of 20 kmph on existing roads. According to government officials, the corridor will help decongest National Highway 19 (Prayagraj, Varanasi) and reduce travel times between Bhuvaneshwar, Ramnagar and National Highway 35 (Varanasi, Mirzapur). The average travel time across the area is expected to drop from approximately 60 minutes to around 20 minutes. The Varuna Corridor, covering 43 kilometers, will similarly operate at a speed of 100 kmph. It is intended to ease congestion within the city core and shorten travel times between National Highway 31 and Kashi railway station. The journey, currently taking 40 minutes, is projected to be completed in just 20 minutes after the project's completion. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the significance of the projects, noting that Varanasi receives over 15 crore tourists and pilgrims annually. He emphasized that the new corridors will improve access to vital religious, educational, and cultural landmarks, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Namo Ghat, Ramnagar Fort, the ghats of Varanasi, and Kashi railway station. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his support for the initiatives, stating that the enhanced connectivity would make visiting the Kashi Vishwanath temple more accessible and convenient for devotees. He also noted that the Varuna Corridor, being constructed along the banks of the Varuna River, could serve as a model for other culturally significant cities. Additionally, he stressed that the infrastructure developments would benefit local residents by improving their daily commutes and fostering economic growth in the region. The government has outlined that both projects will play a crucial role in transforming urban mobility in Varanasi. By reducing travel times and easing traffic bottlenecks, they aim to create a more efficient transportation system that supports both tourism and economic activities. The implementation of these corridors is expected to set a precedent for future infrastructure projects in similar urban centers across the country.