New Delhi, July 15 -- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Tuesday approved two major elevated corridor projects worth Rs 25,445.96 crore for Varanasi, aimed at easing traffic congestion, improving multimodal connectivity and significantly reducing travel time.

The two projects will be implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) and form a key part of the Varanasi Decongestion Plan.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who interacted with the media after the Cabinet Briefing, said the projects will have people-centric benefits, including a significant boost to tourism.

"There will be a big change in people's lives. There will be a new wave of happiness in the residents of Kashi. The traffic ...