PM Narendra Modi Approves INR 11,000 Crore Elevated Corridor in Varanasi To Ease Pilgrimage to Baba Vishwanath
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹10,998-crore elevated corridor project in Varanasi aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity to key religious and urban areas, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The project, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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 (CCEA), 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. India-UK Free Trade Agreement: PM Narendra Modi Hails Landmark Deal, Says ‘Significant Moment’.
PM Modi Approves Elevated Corridor Project in Varanasi
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. PM Narendra Modi Says Deeply Moved by Warm Welcome From Indian Community in New Zealand (See Pics).
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.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2026 07:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).