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The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has collected INR 39.36 lakh in property tax from 276 property owners within the first three days of its One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for tax defaulters. Launched on August 15, the initiative offers a full waiver of interest and surcharge when eligible taxpayers clear their principal dues in a single payment. The civic body has also introduced an instalment facility for taxpayers with dues of up to INR 1 lakh. The scheme will remain open until December 15, giving defaulters a wider window to settle pending municipal taxes.Read more

20 Jul 2026

• The Union Cabinet has approved two elevated corridor projects worth INR 25,445.96 crore to improve traffic flow, strengthen regional connectivity and reduce congestion in Varanasi.
• The projects comprise a 46.04-km Ganga corridor and a 43.22-km Varuna corridor, both to be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) by NHAI.
• The corridors will improve access to transport hubs, religious landmarks and logistics nodes while cutting travel time across the city.
• The integrated projects are expected to support tourism, freight movement and long-term economic development in eastern Uttar Pradesh.Read more

17 Jul 2026

The Union Cabinet has approved two National Highway projects in Varanasi involving a combined investment of nearly INR 25,500 crore to ease traffic congestion in the city. The projects comprise two elevated highway corridors linking key national highways and the Varanasi Ring Road along the Varuna and Ganga rivers. Together spanning around 89 km, the developments will include six-lane and four-lane elevated carriageways, bridges, flyovers, ramps and service roads. Both projects will be implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), with the aim of improving urban mobility and strengthening connectivity across Varanasi.Read more

15 Jul 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the progress of key development projects, law and order arrangements, and preparations for the upcoming Shravan month in Varanasi. He instructed officials to complete ongoing infrastructure works on time while maintaining quality standards. The review covered the ropeway project, Jal Jeevan Mission works, road restoration, traffic management, sanitation, healthcare, security, and civic facilities for devotees. The Chief Minister also stressed better coordination among departments to ensure smooth execution of development works and uninterrupted public services during the religious season.Read more

21 Jun 2026

Authorities in Varanasi have demolished around 150 buildings as part of the ongoing Dalmandi road widening project aimed at improving connectivity between key religious and commercial areas of the city. The demolition drive forms part of a larger infrastructure initiative designed to ease congestion and facilitate movement between the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and surrounding localities. While officials maintain that compensation and rehabilitation measures are being implemented, the project has drawn objections from some affected property owners and traders over acquisition and demolition proceedings.Read more

15 Jun 2026

Tata Power EV Charging Solutions Ltd (TPEVCSL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Varanasi Smart City Ltd (VSCL) to strengthen electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Varanasi. The partnership will identify and deploy charging stations at strategic locations, including public parking areas, transit hubs, municipal assets, commercial centres and tourist destinations. The initiative supports the city's sustainable mobility goals while aligning with the Smart Cities Mission and Uttar Pradesh's push towards cleaner transportation.Read more

04 Jun 2026

• The Dalmandi road widening project in Varanasi has gained momentum, with 112 buildings demolished so far as part of a major infrastructure upgrade.
• The project aims to widen the congested 650-metre stretch connecting Naisadak and Chowk, improving access to the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor.
• Nearly 187 properties have been identified for acquisition and demolition under the project, which carries an estimated cost of around INR 224 crore.
• Authorities have completed compensation and acquisition procedures for several affected property owners, allowing demolition work to progress.
• The redevelopment is expected to ease congestion, improve pedestrian movement and strengthen connectivity within Varanasi's historic commercial district.Read more

26 Apr 2026

Authorities in Varanasi carried out demolition of over 30 buildings as part of an ongoing road widening and infrastructure upgrade project aimed at easing congestion and improving connectivity. The drive forms part of a broader plan to expand key stretches into multi-lane corridors, with projects estimated at several hundred crore INR. The exercise was conducted under tight security, following earlier legal and administrative clearances. Officials indicated that the cleared land will be utilised to improve road capacity and streamline traffic movement in high-density areas. The development reflects continued urban infrastructure push in the city, although such projects also bring displacement and rehabilitation concerns into focus.Read more

07 Apr 2026

The Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) has approved an INR 2,866.20 crore budget for the financial year 2026-27, marking a significant increase over the previous year. Operational income is estimated at INR 2,070.61 crore and expenditure at INR 2,069 crore. Major revenue sources include land sales and compensation, while expenditure is focused on township development, infrastructure, and administrative projects. Compensation under schemes like Madhni, Ganjari, and Kallipur will total around INR 1,700 crore, supporting major residential and integrated development projects under the Mukhyamantri Shahri Vistarikaran Yojana.Read more

06 Apr 2026

HBL Engineering Limited has secured an INR 800.36 crore contract from Banaras Locomotive Works to supply, install and commission onboard Kavach 4.0 systems for Indian Railways. The indigenous automatic train protection technology is designed to improve rail safety by preventing overspeeding, signal violations and collisions. The project will be executed over 12 months and forms part of Indian Railways broader push to upgrade safety infrastructure across its network. This order strengthens HBL's growing presence in railway safety systems, driven by rising demand for Kavach deployment as the sector focuses on modernisation, automation and improved operational reliability.Read more

18 Feb 2026

The Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) has approved the development of 474 new residential layouts across the city, officials said on Tuesday, as part of efforts to increase regulated housing supply. The sanctioned layouts will be developed across multiple zones, with planning permissions granted subject to prevailing norms. However, the move has drawn concerns from homebuyer groups and local activists over the delay in issuance of completion certificates (C.C.) for earlier projects, which has left many buyers waiting for possession despite finishing construction. VDA authorities have stated that pending C.C. issues are being addressed through coordination with relevant departments, while new layout approvals will follow strict compliance checks. The development comes amid sustained demand for formal housing options in Varanasi, driven by urbanisation and local economic growth.Read more

25 Nov 2025

Earlier this week, local police in Varanasi filed an FIR against the operator and manager of Hotel Dayal Tower for allegedly housing about ten foreign nationals without obtaining the mandatory Form C clearance from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The guests, believed to have been brought in by a university professor, represented countries like Japan, the US, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada and Australia. The hotel reportedly had applied for permission, but the registration was still pending when authorities carried out a surprise inspection, leading to legal action under the Foreigners Act and related statutes.Read more

18 Sep 2025

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

22 Aug 2025

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

31 Jul 2025

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

02 Jun 2025

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

24 Jan 2025

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

09 Dec 2024

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

23 Oct 2024

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

20 Aug 2024

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