Cabinet Approves Major Infrastructure Projects Worth Rs 14,115 Crore
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its nod to several key infrastructure projects with a total investment of Rs 14,115 crore. The most prominent among them is a 6-lane road tunnel that will connect the Dwarka Expressway in Delhi-NCR to Kanpur-Kabrai in Uttar Pradesh. The announcement was made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on July 1, 2026.
The tunnel project is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two regions, currently a journey of over 10 hours, by about 3-4 hours. It will also decongest existing routes and improve freight movement, benefiting the industrial and agricultural sectors in western Uttar Pradesh.
Details of the 6-Lane Road Tunnel
The 6-lane tunnel will be approximately 12.5 kilometers long, making it one of the longest road tunnels in India. It will pass through the Vindhyachal range, which has historically been a barrier for road connectivity. The project will be executed on a hybrid annuity model under the public-private partnership (PPP) framework.
According to an official statement, the tunnel will include state-of-the-art safety features such as ventilation systems, emergency exits, and real-time traffic monitoring. The total cost of the tunnel is estimated at Rs 8,200 crore, with the remaining Rs 5,915 crore allocated for other connected road widening and improvement projects.
Other Approved Projects
Apart from the tunnel, the Cabinet also cleared the widening of 4-lane highways in Bihar and Assam, and the construction of a new bridge over the Ganga in Patna. These projects are part of the government's Bharatmala Pariyojana, aimed at enhancing national highway corridors.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, "These projects will not only improve connectivity but also generate employment opportunities. The tunnel alone is expected to create over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and operation."
Impact on Economy and Connectivity
The improved connectivity between Dwarka Expressway and Kanpur-Kabrai is expected to boost economic activities in the region. The Dwarka Expressway is a key corridor for Delhi-NCR, while Kanpur is a major industrial hub. The tunnel will facilitate faster movement of goods, reducing logistics costs for businesses.
Additionally, the project will enhance access to tourist destinations like the Vindhyachal temples and the Chitrakoot region. The government expects the tunnel to be completed by 2030, with construction starting later this year.
