Dafi, Varanasi

The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has approved a land swap deal involving over 227.5 bigha of land with the Defence Estate and Railways. This strategic move aims to facilitate crucial traffic, parking, and civic infrastructure projects across the city.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurated 48 completed development projects worth over ₹1,050 crore in Varanasi. These projects span sectors including road infrastructure (widening of Varanasi–Azamgarh road), new rail over bridges, and a sewage treatment plant, aimed at improving sanitation and urban infrastructure.

PM Narendra Modi flagged off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains from Varanasi on April 28, 2026, connecting Banaras to Hadapsar (Pune) and Ayodhya to Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai). This development is expected to improve long-distance rail connectivity, and strengthening links between key religious and economic centers.

The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has mandated the removal of all drain encroachments by March 15, with penalties for non-compliance, aiming to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging. Meanwhile, severe waterlogging in the Hardaha area due to overflowing sewers has sparked public anger, highlighting the urgent need for improved urban drainage infrastructure.