Modi Cabinet Takes 7 Major Decisions: ‘Semicon 2.0’ Mission Approved, Varanasi Gets Two Elevated Corridors

New Delhi: Seven major decisions were taken during the Union Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday. The ‘Semicon 2.0’ mission received approval, and a decision was also made to construct two elevated corridors in Varanasi. Providing details, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, “Today, two major approvals have been granted for the next level of infrastructure development.”

He explained that the first project is a complete six-lane and four-lane elevated corridor—the ‘Varuna Expressway’—to be built along the banks of the Varuna River. This 43-kilometer-long elevated corridor will entail an investment of ₹10,998 crore; it will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model and is expected to be completed in approximately four years.

Regarding the second corridor, he mentioned that a full six-lane elevated corridor would be constructed along the Ganges in Kashi. Starting from the city, it will run along the riverbank, pass near IIT-BHU, and head towards Lanka Chowk and Ramnagar; a ‘Signature Bridge’ will also be constructed as part of this project. The elevated corridor along the Ganges will span 46 kilometers and be built at a cost of ₹14,448 crore. Additionally, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the ‘Semicon 2.0’ mission to develop India’s semiconductor design and manufacturing ecosystem. The total budget for this mission is ₹1,27,500 crore.

Speaking about the mission, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw noted, “We all know that the semiconductor industry is crucial. Semiconductor chips are essential for almost all modern manufacturing—whether it involves mobile phones or cameras; household appliances like refrigerators, TVs, and ACs; vehicles such as scooters, cars, and trains; or even missiles.” Electronics has emerged as a major sector in its own right, and this initiative now covers the entire electronics value chain.

Four other major decisions:
Mobile phone manufacturing scheme – ₹62,500 crore
Approval of the National Investment Policy for Urea-2026
Decision to double the Paradip-Haridaspur rail line – ₹2,542 crore
Fourth rail line between Dangoaposi and Rajkharsawan – ₹1,365 crore