Union Cabinet approved two road corridor projects in Uttar Pradesh to enhance connectivity in Varanasi at an estimated cost of Rs 254.45 billion (Rs 254.45 bn). The schemes link National Highway?19 with the Varanasi Ring Road and provide riverbank connectivity along the Ganga, and connect National Highway?31 with the ring road along the Varuna. Both projects will be delivered under the Hybrid Annuity Model, under which the authority pays 40 per cent upfront and the balance through annuities with interest. The 46 km Ganga corridor will include a six?lane elevated carriageway, a cable?stayed bridge, an extradosed foot overbridge?cum?major bridge, and link and service roads, at an estimated cost of Rs 144.47 billion (Rs 144.47 bn). Civil construction is costed at Rs 60.38 billion (Rs 60.38 bn), including utility shifting but excluding goods and services tax, while land acquisition is estimated at Rs 5.41 billion (Rs 5.41 bn). The 43 km Varuna corridor comprises a predominantly elevated carriageway with six and four lane sections, flyovers and service roads, at an estimated cost of nearly Rs 110.00 billion (Rs 110.00 bn). Civil construction costs are Rs 45.65 billion (Rs 45.65 bn) and land acquisition Rs 9.35 billion (Rs 9.35 bn). Officials said the remainder, after civil and land costs, will be used for annuity and interest payments to concessionaires. Designed for operating speeds of 80 to 100 kmph, the Varuna corridor will cut travel time between National Highway?31 and Kashi railway station from about 40 minutes to 20 minutes, a reduction of nearly 50 per cent. The Ganga corridor is intended to decongest Varanasi and Chandauli by providing an access?controlled connection between National Highway?19, the Varanasi Ring Road, Ramnagar and Banaras Hindu University. With more than 150 million (150 mn) tourists and pilgrims visiting Varanasi each year, the projects will improve access to major religious, educational and cultural landmarks and ease congestion on the city road network.