The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light to a project constructing a 43.218 km link corridor connecting NH-31 and Varanasi Ring Road in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi city. The initiative, costing Rs 10,998.32 crore, will be executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).
This project, a crucial part of the Varanasi Decongestion Plan, aims to enhance connectivity between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station, offering improved access to various key locations like Varanasi Airport, Kashi Railway Station, and the ghats of Varanasi. It includes a 6/4-lane elevated corridor with flyovers, loops, ramps, and service roads.
Designed for speeds of 80–100 km/h, the corridor will slash travel time between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station by almost half, from 40 minutes to 20 minutes. This development is expected to ease traffic congestion, enhance road safety, and boost the efficiency of passenger and freight traffic movement in the city.
The project’s impact extends beyond Varanasi, as it will bolster regional connectivity by improving access to economic and social nodes, major logistics hubs, and promoting multimodal integration in line with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. By facilitating the smoother movement of goods and people, the corridor will enhance logistics efficiency and support sustainable economic growth in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
This modern urban transport corridor project is envisioned to not only enhance connectivity but also promote tourism, economic development, and improve the overall quality of life for both residents and visitors to Varanasi.
