Major Infra Push in Varanasi: Dalmandi Road Widening Project Gets Underway.

The holy city of Varanasi is undergoing a major infrastructure overhaul, with the state government greenlighting projects worth ₹882 crore. The centerpiece of this massive development push is the long-awaited Dalmandi Road widening project, aimed at easing congestion and improving access to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Dham.

The comprehensive plan includes a range of initiatives, from smart urban infrastructure to tourism development. Key projects include:

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  ₹881.56 crore for smart distribution and underground electrical infrastructure.

  
  


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  ₹215 crore for the Dalmandi Road widening and strengthening.

  
  


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  ₹85.72 crore for a new homeopathic college and hospital.

  
  


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  Multiple road projects, including the Kachhwa-Kapsethi-Chaubeypur Road and the Varanasi-Ghazipur highway leading to the Swarved Temple.

  
  


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  Beautification of Karkhiyao village and the creation of a memorial for freedom fighters.

  
  

While these projects span multiple sectors, the Dalmandi Road widening project has drawn the most attention. Following the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the area has seen a massive increase in devotees, making crowd management a significant challenge for local authorities, especially during events like the recent Maha Kumbh and the ongoing Shrawan month.

To address this, the plan to widen Dalmandi Road was finalized. After a directive from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on July 17 and subsequent cabinet approval on July 22, the Public Works Department (PWD) began the process of demarcating 184 buildings for the project. The ₹215.88 crore initiative will transform the 650-meter-long, narrow street into a 17.4-meter-wide passage, providing a direct and accessible route to Gate No. 4 of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham.

However, the development has sparked concern among the residents of Dalmandi, a densely populated commercial and residential area with a Muslim majority.