Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Phase 2 Development Approved

The Uttar Pradesh state cabinet has approved Phase 2 of the ambitious Kashi Vishwanath Corridor development project in Varanasi, with a sanctioned budget of Rs 800 crore. The second phase will extend the beautification and infrastructure development to cover the entire historic temple district from Dashashwamedh Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat. Phase 2 plans include pedestrianization of 23 narrow lanes in the old city, underground utility ducting to eliminate overhead wiring, restoration of 40 heritage buildings along the corridor, and creation of a continuous waterfront promenade along the Ganga. An underground rapid transit system connecting the railway station to the corridor is also part of the master plan. The project incorporates lessons learned from Phase 1, which transformed the area around the Kashi Vishwanath Temple with wide walkways, clean facilities, and direct temple-to-ghat connectivity. Phase 1, completed in 2021 at a cost of Rs 339 crore, increased daily visitor capacity from 20,000 to over 75,000. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that Phase 2 will position Varanasi as a world-class spiritual tourism destination while preserving its ancient character. The project will be executed over three years with a targeted completion date of March 2029. Archaeological surveys of the affected areas have already begun to ensure no heritage structures are inadvertently damaged.