The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved two major elevated corridor projects to improve the traffic system in Varanasi and in view of the increasing number of tourists and pilgrims. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced that these projects will reduce the problem of traffic jams in the city and will help in easy access to the airport, railway station and major religious places.
Under the first project, 6-lane and 4-lane elevated corridors will be built along the banks of Varuna river. This approximately 43 kilometer long corridor will start from Namo Ghat. The estimated cost of this project is ₹10,998 crore and it is targeted to be completed within four years. By connecting Varanasi Airport and Railway Station, this corridor will play an important role in reducing traffic pressure within the city.
15 crore tourists and pilgrims come every year
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that about 15 crore tourists and pilgrims come to Varanasi every year. Keeping their convenience in mind, the city’s infrastructure is being expanded so that travel can be safe and easy. Apart from this, the Union Cabinet has approved another 6-lane elevated corridor along the banks of river Ganga in Kashi.
₹14,448 crore will be spent on the project
The Union Minister said that this 46 kilometer long project will cost Rs 14,448 crore. He said that with the construction of this corridor, the journey of the pilgrims coming to Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham will become easier and the traffic jam on the main roads of the city will be reduced. According to the Union Minister, both these projects will promote the overall urban development, tourism and religious tourism of Varanasi, and will also greatly strengthen the connectivity of the city.
Eight new reforms announced in Railways
Earlier on Tuesday, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced eight new reforms in Railways. Their objective is to improve the functioning of the Railways and to provide maximum facilities and benefits to the passengers. Talking about these reforms, Vaishnav said that these measures will bring many benefits to both traders and travelers. New policies have been introduced to reduce freight costs, improve supply chains, promote private investment and encourage environment-friendly freight transportation.
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