Greater Banaras Project: Varanasi Ring Road Townships Under CM

Varanasi: The Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) is set to transform the city’s outskirts with the ambitious “Greater Banaras” project along the Ring Road, as part of the Chief Minister’s Urban Expansion Scheme. The state government has allocated ₹4,000 crore for township development across four cities, with ₹1,000 crore earmarked specifically for Greater Banaras.

Under this plan, VDA will develop townships over 1,000 acres along the Ring Road, stretching from Harhua to Rajatalab. Modeled on the Greater Noida concept, the project will include four modern townships, creating a well-planned urban expansion.

World-Class Amenities and Local Development

The Greater Banaras townships will feature markets, shopping malls, hotels, hospitals, schools, colleges, sports complexes, and green spaces. This development is expected to boost the growth of nearby villages, generate employment opportunities, and provide residents with modern urban facilities right on the city’s periphery.

The towns between Harhua and Rajatalab will benefit from rapid infrastructural growth. Plans include commercial complexes, IT parks, green areas, and hospitality hubs. Residents will have access to essential services without having to enter the crowded city center, easing population pressure in the historic parts of Varanasi.

About the Chief Minister’s Urban Expansion Scheme

The scheme was launched to promote the development of new townships. Under it, development authorities receive government funding for land acquisition. Any interest earned from these funds can be used for land purchases, with acquisition costs shared equally between the government and the authority.

The land survey for Greater Banaras is expected to be completed by June, after which the acquisition process will begin. The project is projected to open up new employment opportunities and modern facilities for residents, shaping the city’s future in a structured and sustainable way.