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Cabinet Approves 6-Lane Elevated Corridor in Varanasi Under Hybrid Annuity Model

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity

InfrastructureEconomyPolity

Why in news

The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, approved a 46.039 km six-lane greenfield elevated corridor between NH-19 and Varanasi Ring Road at a total capital cost of ₹14,447.64 crore under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). This project aims to decongest Varanasi's road network, reduce travel time by 67%, and boost connectivity to key religious, educational, and cultural sites.

Background

Varanasi, a major pilgrimage and tourist destination, attracts over 1.5 crore visitors annually. The existing road network faces severe congestion, especially at key junctions like Lanka. The project aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan to enhance multimodal connectivity.

Key facts

in5points

  1. Total capital cost: ₹14,447.64 crore; civil construction cost: ₹6,037.85 crore (excluding GST); land acquisition cost: ₹541.11 crore under NH(O).

  2. Project length: 46.039 km; includes a six-lane elevated main carriageway, a 910 m cable-stayed bridge over the Ganga, a 1.32 km foot over bridge-cum-major bridge with travellators, loops, ramps, link roads, and service roads.

  3. Implemented under Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) under NH(O).

  4. Designed for operational speed of 80-100 km/h; expected to reduce average travel time from 60 minutes to 20 minutes (67% reduction).

  5. Travel time between NH-19 and Kashi Railway Station to reduce from 50 minutes to 25 minutes.

  6. Provides seamless connectivity to NH-19, Varanasi Ring Road (NH-135B), Ramnagar/BHU, Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, and Ramnagar IW Port.

  7. Improves access to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, BHU, Namo Ghat, Ramnagar Fort, and Varanasi ghats.

  8. Includes an elevated spur between BHU/Lanka and Samne Ghat to decongest Lanka Junction.

  9. Features noise barriers, aesthetic lighting, and architectural elements inspired by Varanasi's cultural heritage.

  10. Expected to reduce congestion on NH-19, BHU-Ramangar corridor, and NH-35 by diverting traffic from densely populated urban areas.

Prelims pointers

  • Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM)
  • NH(O) – National Highways (Original) Act
  • PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan
  • Cable-stayed bridge
  • Extradosed foot over bridge
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple
  • BHU (Banaras Hindu University)
  • Namo Ghat
  • Ramnagar Fort
  • Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport

Mains angles

  • GS3 Infrastructure: Discuss the significance of the Hybrid Annuity Model in highway development and its impact on project viability.
  • GS3 Economy: Analyze the role of such infrastructure projects in regional economic development and logistics efficiency.
  • GS2 Polity: Examine the role of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in approving large infrastructure projects.
  • GS1 Culture: How does improved connectivity to religious and cultural sites like Kashi Vishwanath Temple boost tourism and pilgrimage?