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 (Kashi Railway Station, Varanasi Airport, Ramnagar Port, etc.), and is designed for speeds of 80‑100 km/h, cutting travel time between NH‑31 and Kashi Railway Station from about 40 minutes to 20 minutes. The corridor aims to decongest Varanasi, improve road safety, lower vehicle operating costs, and enhance regional connectivity and multimodal logistics in line with the PM Gati Shakti plan.