New Delhi, July 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday that the central government has approved the construction of a state-of-the-art six-lane corridor along the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi. He described this as a significant infrastructure project that will enhance access to the city’s major religious, educational, and cultural sites, reduce traffic congestion, and accelerate economic development in the Purvanchal region.
In a message posted on the social media platform ‘X’, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the government’s commitment to developing world-class infrastructure in Varanasi. He stated that the new corridor will alleviate pressure on existing roads and make travel more convenient for residents and visitors alike.
The Prime Minister said, “We are committed to developing world-class infrastructure in Varanasi. Today, we have approved the construction of a modern six-lane corridor along the Ganges.”
He further noted, “This project will improve access to the city’s key religious, educational, and cultural sites. Additionally, reduced pressure on the road network will facilitate smoother travel. This initiative will also give a new impetus to the economic development of Purvanchal.”
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved a 46.039-kilometer link and connector corridor that connects National Highway-19 (NH-19) with the Varanasi Ring Road. This project aims to provide better road connectivity along the banks of the Ganges.
With an estimated cost of approximately ₹14,447.64 crores, the project will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). It will include a six-lane elevated main road, a prominent cable-stayed bridge, an extradosed foot-over bridge, loops, ramps, link roads, and service roads.
According to government estimates, this corridor will establish seamless connectivity between NH-19 and the Varanasi Ring Road, significantly reducing traffic pressure on the city’s road network. The route is designed for operational speeds of 80 to 100 kilometers per hour.
The government anticipates that upon completion, the average travel time in the area will decrease from about 60 minutes to just 20 minutes. Additionally, the time taken to reach Varanasi Railway Station from NH-19 is expected to drop from approximately 50 minutes to 25 minutes, providing significant relief to travelers.
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