The Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) has taken a significant step towards urban infrastructure development by approving the exchange of over 227.5 bigha (approximately 57.6 hectares) of land with the Defence Estate and the Railways. This move aims to facilitate public amenities, traffic management projects, and parking facilities across the city. The proposal has received clearance from both the VMC executive committee and the House.
Addressing Traffic Congestion and Infrastructure Needs
The land swap is expected to play a crucial role in addressing Varanasi's growing traffic congestion and strengthening civic infrastructure. By acquiring strategically located parcels of land currently under the Defence Estate and Railway departments, the corporation will be able to implement essential development projects.
Details of the Land Exchange
Under the proposal, the VMC seeks to acquire several key areas: the Goodshed Bazaar area in Cantonment (1.2286 hectares), land beneath the Fulwaria flyover (3.8121 hectares), land at Domri and Sujabad (19.669 hectares), and the remaining 34.259 hectares out of the 160-acre Cantonment land, excluding the portion under Railway possession.
In return, the corporation will transfer land of equivalent value to the Railways. This includes a 2,830-square-metre plot at Mauza-Ghausabad, 2,029.30 square metres of land on Manduadih Road, and around 4,100 square metres of land behind Golden Peacock at Goodshed Bazaar.
Official Statements and Benefits
Officials have stated that the exchange will enable the corporation to undertake key development works on land currently owned by the Defence Estate and Railways, while ensuring that the concerned departments receive land of equal value in return. Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal has written to the Defence Estate Officer in Prayagraj regarding the proposal. The letter highlights that the land exchange will remove longstanding administrative ambiguities over land ownership and eliminate hurdles in implementing integrated urban development projects.
Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari emphasized the importance of the land exchange for the city's overall development and infrastructure expansion. He stated, "This process will not only remove administrative obstacles but also provide a long-term solution to traffic congestion and deficiencies in public amenities, significantly transforming the city's urban landscape."
Additional Information
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