The Union Cabinet has approved two major elevated corridor projects worth nearly Rs 25,000 crore in Varanasi, marking a major infrastructure initiatives for the holy city in recent years. The Ganga Corridor and Varuna Corridor are expected to improve urban mobility, reduce congestion and support the growing number of tourists and pilgrims visiting the city every year.

The projects are aimed at creating faster road connectivity while also strengthening tourism infrastructure in one of India’s oldest and most significant spiritual destinations.

Ganga Elevated Corridor to reduce travel time

The larger project, the 46-km six-lane Ganga Elevated Corridor, will connect NH-19 with the Varanasi Ring Road through an alignment along the Ganga river.

Developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the elevated corridor is designed to divert traffic away from congested city roads while minimising disruption to existing settlements.

According to the project plan, the corridor is expected to increase average travel speeds to nearly 100 kmph, significantly reducing travel time on the route from around 60 minutes to approximately 20 minutes.

Apart from improving connectivity, the project also focuses on tourism. Plans include a cable-stayed bridge that could become a new landmark for Varanasi, along with dedicated viewpoints and visitor spaces overlooking the Ganga and its ghats.

The project covers several villages, including Samne, Domri, Sirgovardhanpur, Chhitupur, Kila Kohna, Korauta, Ramnagar, Bhagwanpur, Sujabad, Nagwa, Nadesar and Varidpur. Authorities have halted land sale and purchase activities in these villages as part of the project process.

Varuna Corridor to improve access from neighbouring districts

The Cabinet has also approved the 43.2-km Varuna Elevated Corridor, estimated to cost around Rs 11,000 crore.

The project will connect NH-31 with the Varanasi Ring Road along the Varuna river through a network of elevated roads, flyovers, ramps, loops and link roads to improve movement across the city.

A key feature is a 21-km elevated section extending from near Harahua to the confluence of the Varuna and Ganga rivers near Namo Ghat.

The four-lane corridor is expected to provide direct access for travellers arriving from Lucknow, Jaunpur and Prayagraj, allowing them to reach Namo Ghat without entering congested city roads. Pilgrims will then be able to travel by boat to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, helping reduce traffic pressure in central Varanasi.

Part of the project will pass through approximately 2.56 acres of land under the Cantonment Board, for which approval from the Ministry of Defence was required.

The Varuna Corridor alignment includes villages such as Kuduhana, Rustampur, Parshurampur, Sarai, Piran, Baragaon Pratham, Chhapri, Loharapur, Raniyapur, Chhitauni, Korauta, Kila Kohna, Inderpur, Sirista, Chauka, Jetupur, Kazi Sarsaulpur, Atharpur, Makdoompur, Bhatke, Karanjapur and Katesar in Sadar tehsil.

Projects planned as tourist numbers continue to rise

The approval comes as Varanasi continues to witness a sharp increase in tourist and pilgrim arrivals. According to the information shared, the city now receives nearly 15 crore visitors annually, increasing the need for stronger transport infrastructure to manage traffic efficiently.

The government expects the two corridor projects to improve accessibility while supporting the city’s long-term urban development and tourism growth.

Industry experts see wider economic benefits

Industry representatives have welcomed the projects, saying their impact could extend beyond transport improvements.

Aman Gupta, Director of RPS Group, said the Ganga and Varuna Corridor projects represent an integrated approach to urban development by combining connectivity, tourism and public infrastructure. He said better connectivity often encourages investment, employment generation and real estate development.

Gupta also noted that infrastructure-led development has produced similar outcomes in the National Capital Region, citing projects such as the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Metro expansion, Jewar International Airport and the proposed Faridabad-Noida-Ghaziabad Expressway.

Meanwhile, Manoj Kumar Garg, Chairman of NorthWind Estates, said the corridors could strengthen Varanasi’s position as a global spiritual, cultural and tourism destination while supporting economic growth through sectors such as hospitality, retail, commercial real estate and employment.

He added that Uttar Pradesh’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy would receive support from continued investments in infrastructure, including expressways, airports and urban development projects that encourage private investment and improve ease of doing business.

A fresh round of intense military escalation has unfolded in the Middle East as the United States launched a new wave of overnight airstrikes across Iran. The military action coincided with a renewed American blockade of Iranian ports, prompting Tehran to strike back at regional allies and reaffirm its vow to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz closed until the US halts its military campaign.

Multi-city bombardment impacts medical facility and military sites

Explosions rattled numerous locations across Iran, including major centers and coastal zones such as Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Chabahar, Konarak, Rask City, Khondab, and the western city of Khorramabad.

A severe consequence of the operation occurred in the city of Ahvaz, where local media reported that the Shahid Baghaei Hospital sustained damage from the American bombardment. The strike impacted the hospital’s specialized children’s cancer treatment department, forcing an emergency evacuation of the facility which provides critical chemotherapy treatments.

Beyond civilian infrastructure, Iranian officials stated that the airstrikes hit an army barracks, resulting in the deaths of at least seven troops. According to Tehran, the total casualties from the ongoing US campaign have reached at least 35 dead and more than 300 injured. In response to the aerial incursions, state media confirmed that air defence systems were activated over the capital city of Tehran. Fresh strikes were also reported in Bushehr, the location of Iran’s lone civilian nuclear power plant, following earlier blasts near southern maritime hubs.

Maritime confrontation and regional retaliation

US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that its operations targeted Iranian military assets that directly threaten commercial vessels navigating the strategic waterway. Furthermore, the US military confirmed it disabled a Curacao-flagged oil tanker, the M/T Belma, by firing Hellfire missiles into its smokestack after the vessel attempted to breach the naval blockade. CENTCOM confirmed via social media that the ship is no longer moving toward Iran.

In retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched attacks targeting the US Fifth Fleet stationed in Bahrain, triggering air sirens as incoming threats were intercepted. Additionally, Jordan’s armed forces reported intercepting and downing three missiles launched from Iran.

The IRGC also claimed a major defensive success via media reports, stating its aerospace force utilized a newly deployed air defence system to intercept and destroy an “enemy” MQ-9 drone over the southwestern city of Andimeshk. Meanwhile, in northern Iraq, Kurdish forces reported that the US-led coalition successfully shot down eight explosive-laden drones over Erbil, near the US consulate, with no casualties reported.

Washington increases regional arms sales and signals next steps

Against the backdrop of active hostilities, the US State Department announced the provisional approval of a $1.96 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia, alongside a separate $484 million aircraft sustainment package for Kuwait. The proposed Saudi agreement includes up to 20,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance sections for both air-to-air and air-to-ground configurations, alongside launchers, warheads, and logistical support. The package for Kuwait focuses on the sustainment of C-17 aircraft. Both deals must pass congressional review before final finalization.

Following the third wave of American strikes within a 24-hour window, Donald Trump commented during a defence summit at the US Army War College that Iran appears willing to settle, though he remained ambiguous about the path forward. However, in a later media interview, he sharpened his rhetoric, threatening potential strikes on power plants and bridges if Tehran refuses to return to negotiations, warning that the situation would worsen significantly next week.

Diplomacy remains active amid the Hormuz crisis

Despite the surge in kinetic actions, mediated talks between Washington and Tehran have not officially collapsed. Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, emphasized that any memorandum of understanding requires valid implementation of its clauses to remain meaningful, warning that Iran will not adhere to the agreement if it receives no tangible benefits.

Concurrently, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that the reimposed US naval blockade has effectively compromised the interim Islamabad memorandum established last month.

In what was described as a goodwill gesture, Iran released US-Iranian dual citizen Dena Karari, who had been detained since 2024 on espionage charges related to her work running a non-profit organization. her legal counsel confirmed her release following Trump’s initial announcement.

The conflict remains anchored around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical bottleneck for global energy shipping. Iran originally blockaded the strait following the outbreak of conflict via US-Israeli strikes on February 28. While briefly opened under last month’s diplomatic understanding, the waterway is once again restricted by Tehran until US operations cease. Consequently, maritime data indicates traffic has plummeted to just 21 transits on Tuesday, sparking an upward trend in global oil prices.

A 48-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing an Indian Muslim worker multiple times inside a shopping mall in the US state of Utah. Investigators say the suspect admitted he deliberately targeted the victim because of his religion.

The incident took place on Monday at Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, where the victim was working at a kiosk. According to court documents, the accused, identified as Peter Michael Larsen, allegedly told investigators that he “intends to kill Muslims.”

Suspect allegedly asked victim about his religion before attack

Police said Larsen approached the kiosk and began speaking with the worker, who was later identified by friends as Sohail. According to witnesses, the suspect first asked where he was from.

A nearby jewellery store employee, Luna Nunez, said Sohail replied that he was from India. Larsen then allegedly asked whether he was Muslim. After Sohail answered yes, the suspect reportedly launched the knife attack.

According to Imam Shuaib Din of the Utah Islamic Center, Larsen had also asked Sohail for a bottle of water. As the victim turned to get it, the suspect allegedly pulled out a knife and began stabbing him.

Victim stabbed 15 times, remains in critical condition

A GoFundMe campaign created by Nunez states that Sohail suffered 15 stab wounds during the attack. He has since undergone multiple surgeries and remains in critical condition.

Friends described Sohail as the sole earning member of his family, supporting his wife and two young children. Nunez said he does not have health insurance, adding that his family currently has no other source of income.

Bystanders overpowered suspect before police arrived

Witnesses at the mall intervened during the attack, tackling Larsen and restraining him until officers reached the scene. Police later treated the suspect for injuries sustained while he was being held down before taking him into custody.

Authorities have charged Larsen with attempted murder and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct. He is currently being held at the Salt Lake County jail.

Investigators said the accused poses “a substantial danger to the public,” citing his alleged violent actions, extremist views and concerns over possible pre-planned mass casualty intentions.

Friends condemn attack as hate crime

Sohail’s manager, Adnan Mohammed, condemned the assault, calling it a hate crime and saying there is “no space for hate.” He described Sohail as a hardworking employee who was always smiling and had recently been promoted to manage operations.

Mohammed also expressed regret that he was not present during the attack, saying he wished he could have protected Sohail.

Recalling the incident, Nunez said she threw nearby objects, including shoes and a chair, in an attempt to stop the attacker, adding that she feared Sohail would not survive.

She also said other mall employees later told her the suspect had been walking around the shopping centre asking people about their religion before the stabbing.

Civil rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns over an increase in anti-Muslim incidents in the United States, citing factors such as anti-immigration rhetoric, white supremacist activity and tensions linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict.