Discovering the synergy of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” – development with heritage.
Varanasi’s Ancient Roots and Enduring Legacy
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited urban centers.
Archaeological findings suggest human habitation as early as 1800 BCE.
Hindu mythology attributes its founding to Lord Shiva, making it a spiritual heart of India. Around 800 BCE (Vedic and Upanishadic periods), Kashi was a major center for culture, religion, learning, and philosophy. Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon in Sarnath (10 km away) in the 6th century BCE.
Under dynasties like the Maurya and Gupta empires, it thrived as a hub for trade and industry, known for Banarasi silk, perfumes, and ivory works.
Despite invasions, its spirit endured, with temples rebuilt and traditions revived, largely shaped by Maratha and Bhumihar rulers in the 18th century.
The Journey Towards Modern Development: A City Reimagined
Varanasi has undergone significant modernization, with approximately ₹40,000 crore in projects completed since 2014 and an additional ₹15,000 crore underway.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has been instrumental in accelerating these projects.
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Corridor
- Inaugurated in December 2021, it connects the Kashi Vishwanath Temple directly to the Ganges River.
- The temple complex expanded from 3,000 to approximately 5 lakh square feet, accommodating 50,000 to 75,000 devotees.
- Post-inauguration, tourism surged, with domestic tourist arrivals reaching over 10.97 crore in 2024, projected to exceed 12.96 crore in the first half of 2025.
- This surge positively impacted India’s GDP from tourism and local employment.
- Over 40 ancient temples rediscovered during construction were preserved.
Varanasi’s designation as a Smart City has led to initiatives under Varanasi Smart City Limited (VSCL):
- Smart Mobility: Includes smart traffic management, new public transport networks, pedestrian-friendly streets, and India’s first urban Ropeway System for public transport.
- Smart Governance: Features e-governance systems and the Kashi Integrated Command & Control Centre (KICCC) for centralized urban services, traffic, waste management, and security, using data analytics.
- Smart Environment: Focuses on green spaces, effective waste management, pollution control, and rejuvenation of sacred water bodies (kunds).
- Tourism and Heritage: Includes ghat rejuvenation (“Suramya Kashi”), promotion of local handicrafts (MSME Unity Mall), and improved tourist infrastructure.
The Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport’s expansion to handle 1 crore flyers annually, and a 120-fold increase in foreign tourist arrivals since 2021, highlight its growing importance.
The Future of Varanasi: Master Plan 2031 and Beyond
The Varanasi Master Plan 2031, drafted by the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA), is a blueprint for sustainable urban development, balancing spirituality with modernization.
Key objectives and future projects:
- Strengthening Infrastructure: Allocates land for urban uses, guides construction, and provides housing. Involves expanding highways, expressways, and an integrated transportation system (buses, trams, waterways).
- Sustainable Growth: Focuses on environmentally sustainable development, including wetlands, city forests, rainwater harvesting, energy efficiency, and advanced waste management. The proposed ropeway system makes Varanasi the third city globally to adopt such urban transport.
- Heritage Preservation: Reinforces safeguarding cultural and historical heritage, protecting and restoring monuments, revitalizing the old city with improved pedestrianization and public spaces, and restricting high-rise construction in sensitive areas.
- Economic Growth: Aims to stimulate economic activity through industrial/commercial zones, local commerce, and tourism. Projects like the development of a Tent City by the Ganges are expected to boost tourism, potentially attracting visitors for events like the 2027 World Cup.
The VDA is developing a GIS-based master plan for an extended area, integrating new villages for planned urban growth.
A Legacy of Progress, A Future of Promise
Varanasi is presented as a model for sustainable development, blending spirituality and modernity.
The transformation, driven by investment in infrastructure and urban planning, positions it as a beacon of cultural preservation and a testament to India’s dynamic progress.
The city embodies a living, evolving heritage, combining past glory with modern aspirations.
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