PM Modi approves Rs 11,000 crore elevated corridor in Varanasi to ease pilgrimage to Baba Vishwanath
New Delhi, July 15
In a major boost to infrastructure development in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Modi, on Wednesday approved the construction of a 43.218 km link corridor along the banks of the Varuna River in Varanasi.
The ambitious project, estimated at a total capital cost of Rs 10,998.32 crore, aims to significantly reduce traffic congestion in the holy city and improve connectivity for pilgrims visiting Baba Vishwanath (Kashi Vishwanath Temple).
It will be implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).
The corridor will be a predominantly elevated 6/4-lane facility featuring a main carriageway, flyovers, loops, ramps and service roads. It will connect NH-31 to the Varanasi Ring Road, providing seamless access to key locations, including Kashi Railway Station, Varanasi Airport, Varanasi Junction, Ramnagar Port, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, the famous ghats, and the Chandauli region.
Taking to the social media platform X, PM Modi said the government was committed to expanding connectivity and making visits to Baba Vishwanath in Varanasi easier and more convenient. He added that the elevated corridor would serve as a model for other culturally significant cities while improving the daily lives of residents.
The project is expected to slash travel time between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station from 40 minutes to just 20 minutes - a reduction of nearly 50 per cent.
Designed for an operating speed of 80-100 km/hour, it will enhance road safety, lower vehicle operating costs and ensure smoother movement of passenger and freight traffic.
The corridor forms a vital part of the Varanasi decongestion plan and aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. It will strengthen multi-modal integration and boost economic activity by improving access to agricultural, industrial and logistics nodes in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
The project includes Rs 4,565.33 crore for civil construction and Rs 934.91 crore for land acquisition. Once completed, it is expected to significantly boost tourism, ease pilgrim movement and support sustainable economic growth in the region.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone from Varanasi, I can tell you the traffic near Kashi Vishwanath is a nightmare during festivals. This elevated corridor will be a blessing for both pilgrims and locals. Jal Jeevan Mission and now this - development is happening! 🇮🇳
Interesting project. But I wonder if 43 km of elevated highway through a historic city like Varanasi will affect its heritage character? Hope they've done proper environmental and cultural impact assessments.
Great news! But why always NHAI and HAM model? Government should also focus on local contractors from UP. At least 50% of construction jobs should go to local youth. Otherwise it's just big companies getting richer.
20 minutes from NH-31 to Kashi Railway Station? That's impressive! My father used to say it took him 2 hours in the 90s. Kashi is getting its due respect finally. Jai Baba Vishwanath! 🔱
Rs 4,565 crore for construction and Rs 935 crore for land acquisition - that's a lot of land! Hope farmers and locals are properly compensated. Infrastructure is fine but people shouldn't suffer displacement without fair rehabilitation.
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