The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a 43.218-km elevated corridor along the Varuna River in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, at an estimated cost of ₹10,998.32 crore, aiming to significantly reduce urban congestion and improve connectivity across the city.

The project, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).

Designed as a predominantly 6/4-lane access-controlled elevated corridor, the project will connect NH-31 with the Varanasi Ring Road through a network of elevated carriageways, flyovers, ramps, loops and service roads. The total project cost includes ₹4,565.33 crore for civil construction and ₹934.91 crore for land acquisition.

Major Decongestion Project

The proposed corridor forms a key component of the Varanasi Decongestion Plan and is expected to improve connectivity between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station, while easing traffic movement within the city.

The project will also provide faster access to major transport hubs and public landmarks, including Varanasi Ring Road, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Kashi Railway Station, Varanasi City Railway Station, Varanasi Junction, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, Ramnagar Inland Port, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, the city's iconic Ghats, and the neighbouring Chandauli region.

Travel Time to Be Halved

Engineered for operating speeds of 80–100 kmph, the elevated corridor is expected to reduce travel time between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station from nearly 40 minutes to around 20 minutes, cutting journey time by approximately 50 percent.

According to the government, the project will help decongest Varanasi's road network, improve road safety, lower vehicle operating costs and facilitate smoother movement of passenger and freight traffic.

Boost to Logistics and Regional Economy

The corridor is also expected to strengthen regional connectivity by improving access to the Chandauli Socio-Economic Zone, one major social node and six key logistics hubs, supporting the objectives of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan through enhanced multimodal integration.

The improved transport network will facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, industrial goods, construction materials and mineral resources, leading to greater logistics efficiency and supporting long-term economic growth across eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Modern Urban Transport Infrastructure

The government said the project will create a modern access-controlled urban transport corridor that enhances mobility, supports tourism, improves multimodal connectivity and contributes to better quality of life for residents and visitors in Varanasi.

Once completed, the elevated corridor is expected to play a crucial role in addressing increasing traffic demand while strengthening the city's position as a major religious, cultural and economic hub.