Cabinet approves development of 6/4 lane Elevated Corridor along Varuna River Bank & its Ramps/Loops in Uttar Pradesh on Hybrid Annuity Model at total Capital Cost of Rs.10,998.32 Crore

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a 43.218 km 6/4‑lane elevated corridor along the Varuna River in Uttar Pradesh. Implemented by NHAI under the Hybrid Annuity Model, the project costs Rs 10,998.32 crore (civil construction Rs 4,565.33 crore, land acquisition Rs 934.91 crore). It will link NH‑31 with the Varanasi Ring Road, provide access to key transport hubs and the Chandauli SEZ, and is designed for 80–100 km/h speeds, cutting travel time between NH‑31 and Kashi Railway Station from about 40 minutes to 20 minutes. The corridor aims to de‑congest Varanasi, improve road safety, reduce vehicle operating costs, and enhance multimodal logistics and regional economic growth.