Cabinet approves Varuna River Elevated Corridor in Varanasi under HAM
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Union Cabinet has approved a 43.218 km elevated corridor along the Varuna River in Varanasi to decongest the city. This project, under the Hybrid Annuity Model, aims to improve connectivity between NH-31 and Varanasi Ring Road, reducing travel time by 50%.
Background
Varanasi, a major pilgrimage and tourist destination, faces severe traffic congestion. The Varuna Riverfront Elevated Corridor is part of the Varanasi Decongestion Plan to ease traffic and enhance multimodal connectivity.
Key facts
Total capital cost: ₹10,998.32 crore.
Length: 43.218 km, mostly 6/4-lane elevated corridor with flyovers, loops, ramps, and service roads.
Implemented by NHAI under Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).
Civil construction cost: ₹4,565.33 crore; land acquisition cost: ₹934.91 crore.
Designed for operational speed of 80–100 km/h.
Reduces travel time between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station from ~40 minutes to ~20 minutes (50% reduction).
Improves access to Varanasi Ring Road, airport, railway stations, ghats, and Chandoli area.
Enhances connectivity to economic, social, and logistics nodes under PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
Facilitates movement of agricultural products, industrial goods, construction materials, and minerals.
Project approved by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by PM Modi.
Prelims pointers
- Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM)
- NHAI (National Highways Authority of India)
- PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan
- Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
- Varanasi Decongestion Plan
- NH-31
- Kashi Railway Station
- Chandoli district, Uttar Pradesh
Mains angles
- GS3 Infrastructure: Discuss the significance of urban decongestion projects and the role of HAM in highway development.
- GS3 Economy: Analyze the impact of improved connectivity on regional economic growth and logistics efficiency.
- GS2 Polity: Examine the role of CCEA in approving major infrastructure projects.