Cabinet Clears Major Road Projects for Varanasi

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved two highway projects for Varanasi on 15 July 2026. The projects involve an investment of over ₹25,400 crore and form part of the Varanasi Decongestion Plan. The works are designed to improve road connectivity between major highways, the Varanasi Ring Road, railway access points, and key religious sites in the city.

Project on the Varuna River Corridor

The first project costs ₹10,998.32 crore and covers 43.218 kilometres. It is a predominantly 6/4-lane elevated corridor connecting National Highway-31 with the Varanasi Ring Road along the Varuna River. The corridor is expected to reduce travel time between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station from 40 minutes to 20 minutes.

Project on the Ganga River Corridor

The second project costs ₹14,447.64 crore and covers 46.039 kilometres. It is a six-lane elevated corridor linking National Highway-19 with the Varanasi Ring Road along the Ganga River. The project includes a 910-metre cable-stayed bridge across the Ganga and a 1.32-kilometre extradosed foot overbridge with travelators for pedestrian movement towards the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Implementation and Planning Features

The National Highways Authority of India will implement both projects under the Hybrid Annuity Model. The Hybrid Annuity Model is a public-private partnership framework used in highway development in India. The Varanasi Decongestion Plan covers road works intended to manage traffic flow in an urban area with heavy pilgrimage and railway movement.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
• National Highway-31 and National Highway-19 are two major national highways connected by the approved corridors.
• The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the best-known Hindu pilgrimage sites in Varanasi.
• The National Highways Authority of India is the central agency responsible for many national highway projects in India.

Varanasi is located in Uttar Pradesh and lies on the banks of the Ganga River. The city is also known as Kashi and Banaras in Indian historical and religious usage.