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Cabinet approves Varuna River elevated corridor in Varanasi under HAM

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy

InfrastructureEconomyGovernment Policies and Interventions

Why in news

The Union Cabinet has approved a major infrastructure project for Varanasi to decongest the city. The 43.218 km elevated corridor along the Varuna River will improve connectivity and reduce travel time by 50%.

Background

Varanasi, a major religious and tourist hub, faces severe traffic congestion. The project is part of the Varanasi Decongestion Plan and aligns with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multimodal integration.

Key facts

in5points

  1. Total capital cost: ₹10,998.32 crore under Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).

  2. Civil construction cost: ₹4,565.33 crore; land acquisition cost: ₹934.91 crore.

  3. Corridor length: 43.218 km, mostly 6/4-lane elevated with flyovers, loops, ramps, and service roads.

  4. Connects NH-31 and Varanasi Ring Road along Varuna River.

  5. Design speed: 80-100 km/h; reduces travel time between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station from ~40 min to ~20 min.

  6. Implemented by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

  7. Improves access to Varanasi airport, railway stations, ghats, Ramnagar Port, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University, and Chandoli area.

  8. Strengthens connectivity to economic node (Chandoli Social Economic Zone), social node (Chandoli), and six logistics nodes.

  9. Facilitates movement of agricultural products, industrial goods, construction materials, and minerals.

  10. Enhances tourism and quality of life for residents and visitors.

Prelims pointers

  • Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM): PPP model where government pays 40% of project cost during construction, rest as annuities over time.
  • NHAI: National Highways Authority of India, under Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
  • PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan: Digital platform for integrated planning of multimodal infrastructure.
  • CCEA: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM.
  • Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh; Varuna River (tributary of Ganga).
  • Key nodes: NH-31, Varanasi Ring Road, Kashi Railway Station, Varanasi Junction, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, Ramnagar Port.

Mains angles

  • GS3 Infrastructure: Discuss the role of HAM in highway development and its advantages over EPC and BOT models.
  • GS3 Economy: Analyze the impact of decongestion projects on urban logistics and economic growth.
  • GS2 Government Policies: Evaluate PM Gati Shakti's role in multimodal integration and regional development.
  • GS1 Urbanization: Examine challenges of urban congestion in historic cities like Varanasi and solutions.