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Cabinet approves 6-lane elevated corridor between NH-19 and Varanasi Ring Road under Hybrid Annuity Model

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Schemes

InfrastructureEconomic DevelopmentIRSchemes

Why in news

The Union Cabinet has approved a major infrastructure project in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). This 6-lane greenfield elevated corridor will connect NH-19 and Varanasi Ring Road, significantly reducing travel time and congestion in the city.

Background

Varanasi is a major religious, cultural, and educational hub, attracting over 1.5 crore tourists and pilgrims annually. The existing road network faces severe congestion, especially at key junctions like Lanka. The project aims to improve connectivity to important sites such as Kashi Vishwanath Temple, BHU, and Namo Ghat.

Key facts

in5points

  1. Total capital cost: ₹14,447.64 crore under Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).

  2. Length: 46.039 km, including a 6-lane elevated main carriageway, cable-stayed bridge, foot over bridge, loops, ramps, link roads, and service roads.

  3. Civil construction cost: ₹6,037.85 crore (excluding GST, including utility shifting).

  4. Land acquisition cost: ₹541.11 crore under NH(O).

  5. Design speed: 80-100 km/h; expected travel time reduction from ~60 minutes to ~20 minutes (67% reduction).

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

  7. Includes a 910 m cable-stayed bridge over the Ganga, a 1.32 km foot over bridge-cum-major bridge with travellators, and a rail over bridge on the existing/proposed Malviya Bridge.

  8. Project aligns with PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, enhancing multimodal connectivity to highways, railway stations, Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, and Ramnagar IW Port.

  9. Will improve connectivity to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, BHU, Namo Ghat, Ramnagar Fort, and Varanasi ghats.

  10. Expected to reduce congestion on NH-19, BHU-Ramnagar corridor, and NH-35, improve road safety, and reduce vehicle operating costs and emissions.

Prelims pointers

  • Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM)
  • PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan
  • National Highway (O) – NH(O)
  • NH-19
  • NH-135B (Varanasi Ring Road)
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple
  • Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
  • 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 Economic Development: Analyze how improved connectivity in Varanasi can boost tourism, pilgrimage, and regional economic growth.
  • GS3 Environment: Evaluate the environmental implications of large-scale infrastructure projects and measures to mitigate emissions and congestion.
  • GS2 Government Policies: Examine the role of PM Gati Shakti in integrating multimodal transport and its effectiveness in project implementation.