CCEA approves two elevated corridors worth over ₹25,000 crore to decongest Varanasi
The CCEA approved two Varanasi decongestion corridors on 15 July 2026: a 43.218-km corridor along the Varuna (₹10,998.32 crore) and a 46.039-km corridor along the Ganga between NH-19 and the Ring Road (₹14,447.64 crore).
Summary
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved two elevated link corridors to decongest Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on 15 July 2026, both under the Hybrid Annuity Model. The first is a 43.218-km, 6/4-lane corridor along the River Varuna connecting NH-31 and the Varanasi Ring Road at ₹10,998.32 crore, to be built by NHAI, cutting travel between NH-31 and Kashi Railway Station from about 40 to 20 minutes. The second is a 46.039-km, six-lane greenfield elevated corridor along the River Ganga between NH-19 and the Varanasi Ring Road at ₹14,447.64 crore, including an iconic cable-stayed bridge.
Key facts
- Approved
- 15 July 2026, CCEA
- Model
- Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM)
- Corridor 1
- Varuna riverbank, NH-31 to Varanasi Ring Road; 43.218 km; ₹10,998.32 crore; NHAI
- Corridor 2
- Ganga riverbank, NH-19 to Varanasi Ring Road; 46.039 km; ₹14,447.64 crore; cable-stayed bridge
- Time saved
- NH-31–Kashi Railway Station: ~40 to 20 min
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Along which river is the 43.218-km elevated corridor approved on 15 July 2026 to decongest Varanasi?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Varuna
The corridor runs along the River Varuna, connecting NH-31 and the Varanasi Ring Road.
Under which model will the two Varanasi elevated corridors approved on 15 July 2026 be built?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Hybrid Annuity Model
Both corridors will be implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).