Honouring a civilisational city: Cabinet clears transformative Ganga-Varuna corridors
In a major infrastructure push for Kashi, regarded as one of the world’s oldest living cities and among Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimage centres, the Union Cabinet has approved two mega elevated corridor projects worth ₹25,446 crore along the Ganga and Varuna rivers. The initiative aims to modernise transport in Varanasi while preserving the city’s unique civilisational and spiritual character.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the construction of the Ganga Corridor and the Varuna Corridor, creating an 89-kilometre elevated road network designed to significantly ease traffic congestion and improve access to key parts of the city. The corridors will connect major national highways, the Ring Road and important urban centres, reducing travel time and improving mobility for residents, pilgrims and tourists alike.
For millions of devotees, Kashi is more than a city—it is the spiritual heart of Sanatan Dharma. Revered in ancient Hindu scriptures as the abode of Lord Shiva, the city has for centuries drawn seekers, saints, scholars and pilgrims from across India and the world. The Ganga, worshipped as a living goddess, and the Varuna river, from which Varanasi derives part of its name, are deeply woven into the city’s religious and cultural identity.
The new corridors are expected to make access to the city’s historic temples, ghats and pilgrimage routes smoother while reducing pressure on its narrow roads. Officials say the project has been designed to improve urban mobility without diminishing the cultural significance of the sacred landscape.
The approval builds on the extensive transformation witnessed in Kashi over the past decade, including the redevelopment of the Kashi Vishwanath precinct, the expansion of transport infrastructure and the rejuvenation of riverfront facilities. Together, these initiatives aim to accommodate growing numbers of pilgrims while preserving the city’s heritage for future generations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who represents Varanasi in Parliament, has repeatedly described Kashi as a symbol of India’s enduring civilisation where tradition and development can progress together. The newly approved corridors are expected to further strengthen that vision by combining modern infrastructure with the city’s ancient spiritual legacy.
Once completed, the Ganga-Varuna Corridor project is expected to improve connectivity across Varanasi, reduce travel times and support tourism, commerce and religious travel, reinforcing Kashi’s position as one of India’s foremost centres of faith and culture.
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