Varanasi Set For Major Mobility Boost As Cabinet Eyes Rs 25,000-Crore Ganga, Varuna Corridor Projects

Published 15 July 2026 · local

Varanasi Set For Major Mobility Boost As Cabinet Eyes Rs 25,000-Crore Ganga, Varuna Corridor Projects Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 08:07 IST The

Varanasi Set For Major Mobility Boost As Cabinet Eyes Rs 25,000-Crore Ganga, Varuna Corridor Projects Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 08:07 IST The Union Cabinet is likely to clear the Rs 25,000-crore Ganga and Varuna elevated corridor projects in Varanasi to ease congestion, improve connectivity and boost tourism. The Union Cabinet is likely to approve the Ganga Elevated Corridor and Varuna Corridor projects, together worth nearly Rs 25,000 crore (Photo: Social Media) The Union Cabinet is likely to give its approval to two major elevated corridor projects in Varanasi, together worth nearly Rs 25,000 crore, in a move aimed at easing congestion and improving connectivity in one of India’s busiest pilgrimage destinations, according to a Times of India report. The proposed Ganga Elevated Corridor and Varuna Corridor are expected to transform urban mobility in the city, which receives nearly 15 crore tourists and pilgrims every year. According to the report, the flagship Ganga Elevated Corridor will be a si lane, 46-km highway connecting NH-19 with the Varanasi Ring Road through an alignment along the Ganga riverfront. The project is intended to reduce congestion across the city while providing faster connectivity between key highways and the ring road. Once operational, the corridor is expected to increase average travel speeds to nearly 100 kmph, almost five times the current pace, and reduce travel time from around 60 minutes to nearly 20 minutes.

During an inter-ministerial appraisal meeting, the Highways Authority of India (NHAI) described the proposed project as a riverfront-oriented infrastructure and tourism initiative that would improve accessibility to the Ganga while minimising the impact on existing residential areas and built-up neighbourhoods, the report said. TOURISM-FOCUSED DESIGN WITH LANDMARK BRIDGE As per the report, the proposed alignment includes a cable-stayed bridge that is envisioned as a landmark structure along the riverfront. The project also plans to develop dedicated viewpoints and visitor spaces overlooking the Ganga and the ghats on the opposite bank, with the objective of enhancing the city’s tourism experience. Officials were quoted in the report as saying, “NHAI has envisaged the Ganga Corridor not merely as a transport project but as a tourism- and destination-oriented urban infrastructure initiative." “The cable-stayed bridge is a key component in achieving the project’s broader objectives of riverfront enhancement, place-making and tourism promotion, while also providing seamless connectivity," they said. VARUNA CORRIDOR ALSO ON CABINET AGENDA The Cabinet is also expected to consider the proposed Varuna Corridor, another elevated road project that will run along the Varuna River. According to the report, the 43.2-km corridor will connect NH-31 with the Varanasi Ring Road and will feature flyovers, ramps, loops and link roads.