On the occasion of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's 75th birthday, Varanasi saw the launch and foundation-laying of development projects worth INR 111 crore. The projects, announced by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation, include road repairs, drainage improvements, restoration of 75 traditional wells, construction of a shelter home, and initiatives for animal welfare. Cultural programs, including performances by renowned folk artists, and religious ceremonies were part of the celebrations. The BJP government also started a fortnight-long civic service drive, aiming to enhance cleanliness and public welfare across the city.Read more

The Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) recently allocated 82 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) using a transparent lottery system. The lottery, conducted at the Girija Devi Cultural Complex in Chowkaghat, saw 642 beneficiaries competing for homes in Harhua and Kurhua villages. The process was carried out in the presence of senior officials, including VDA Vice-Chairman Pulkit Garg and Additional District Magistrate Vandita Srivastava, ensuring fairness. This initiative reflects the government's continued focus on providing affordable housing and upholding transparency in allocation.Read more

The Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) has launched an awareness campaign for its new Building Construction and Development Bylaws-2025 and Model Zoning Regulation-2025. The initiative aims to simplify construction processes, promote green buildings, and encourage vertical growth within the city. Through workshops and events, VDA is educating builders and property owners about key provisions, including simplified registration, set time limits for NOCs, and increased Floor Area Ratio.Read more

The Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, represents a pivotal development under India's National Industrial Corridor Development Programme, aiming to integrate road, rail, air, and inland waterways into a unified logistics network. Positioned strategically near key transport corridors like the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor and National Waterway-1, this expansive 575-acre project promises to boost trade in agriculture, textiles, handicrafts, and pharmaceuticals by cutting logistics costs and improving connectivity to major ports. With an investment of around INR 1,750 crore (USD 210 million) and strong support from central and state governments, the MMLP is poised to generate over 10,000 jobs and drive economic growth in a region facing high unemployment.Read more

The Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) has launched an e-auction for 73 unsold plots under the Transport Nagar scheme, running until February 6. This initiative replaces traditional lottery methods to enhance transparency and attract diverse buyers. The plots cater to various needs, including warehouses, offices, medical facilities, and restaurants, aligning with Varanasi's broader urban development goals. Interested participants must register and pay the required fee via the VDA's official website to bid. With accessible support and a streamlined process, the e-auction aims to modernize property sales and foster investment in Varanasi's growing commercial landscape.Read more

PNT Reporter

The Varanasi Development Authority has introduced Geotrix software to detect and monitor illegal constructions in a 200 sq km area using satellite imagery. This advanced tool not only identifies unauthorised developments but also assists in urban planning by pinpointing new plotting zones. Experts provided training for officials on this technology, which aims to enhance urban development through digital mapping and accurate land use planning. Officials highlighted that this innovative approach will prevent illegal constructions and support systematic city development.Read more

Varanasi is set to welcome its second rail-road bridge connecting Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction with the city, marking a significant infrastructure upgrade. The INR 2,642 crore project, announced by the government, will feature four railway tracks and six road lanes, making it India's largest bridge by capacity. The bridge, expected to be completed in four years, will alleviate congestion on the heavily saturated Varanasi-DDU route and replace the aging Malviya Bridge. This new structure aims to boost connectivity for pilgrims and tourists, while also creating employment and business opportunities, driving socio-economic growth in the region.Read more

Following a building collapse in Varanasi's Pancho Pandva area, resulting in one death and several injuries, the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) has identified 440 dilapidated buildings needing urgent repair, particularly within 200 meters of the Ganga River. New guidelines allow residents to perform minor repairs like plastering and installing septic tanks without prior approval, while major renovations require permits. Unauthorized changes to building structures or appearances are prohibited. The VDA has set up a help desk and streamlined the permit process to ensure quick action. These measures aim to preserve Varanasi's heritage while ensuring public safety in densely populated areas.Read more

The government in Varanasi has approved a INR 2,869.65 crore expansion plan for Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, nearly tripling its passenger capacity. Currently handling 3.3 million passengers annually, the airport will expand to accommodate 9.9 million passengers per annum (MPPA). The new 75,000 square meter terminal will handle 6 MPPA and 5,000 passengers per peak hour. A runway extension to 4,075 meters will support larger aircraft. Prioritizing sustainability, the project includes solar energy use, waste recycling, and natural lighting. This expansion is expected to boost tourism and the local economy, making Varanasi a more attractive destination.Read more

Varanasi Smart City is conducting a 3D survey using low-flying aircraft and ground vehicles equipped with LiDAR technology to create a digital twin map covering 160 square kilometres. Led by Genesis International Corporation, this initiative integrates more than 50 thematic layers detailing infrastructure elements like drains, water pipelines, and ward boundaries. The twin map will enhance the operational efficiency of various institutions through the Kashi Integrated Command and Control Centre, facilitating coordinated management of solid waste, fire, traffic, water distribution, and sewerage systems. Varanasi aims to become the first Indian city with a comprehensive digital twin, fostering harmonised civic agency collaboration.Read more

The Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) initiated attachment proceedings against major house tax defaulters, prompting a hotel in Lahurabir to promptly settle its dues of Rs 6.25 lakh. Another defaulter paid Rs 4 lakh following the initiation of attachment proceedings, in response to notices served by the municipal commissioner, Akshat Verma. In addition to targeting defaulters, the municipal commissioner conducted inspections of sanitation and cleanliness in various localities, imposing a Rs 10,000 fine on an operator for neglecting toilet maintenance during the assessment.Read more