₹527 Crore Approved to Replace 200-Year-Old Sewage System in Varanasi’s Old City.

In a massive infrastructural overhaul for the holy city, the state government has approved a budget of ₹527 crores to replace the crumbling sewage system in 13 old wards of Varanasi.

The Project: Approximately 200 kilometers of new sewer lines will be laid to replace the 200-year-old "Shahi Nala" and British-era brick drainage systems that are currently causing frequent overflows and waterlogging.

Key Features:

Trenchless Technology: To minimize disruption in Varanasi’s famous narrow lanes (galis), the work will be done using trenchless technology. Instead of digging up the entire road, pits will be made at corners to insert pipes.

Beneficiaries: Over 4 lakh residents across 100 neighborhoods—including Hukulganj, Prahalad Ghat, Shivala, Nagwa, and Bengali Tola—will benefit.

Dual Upgrade: Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari stated that drinking water pipelines will also be replaced simultaneously to avoid digging up the streets twice.

Next Steps: Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal confirmed that proposals for 5 remaining wards are expected to get Cabinet approval this week.