Varanasi Municipal Corporation Awaits PM Modi's Visit to Kickstart Rs 93 Crore Headquarters Project
The Varanasi Municipal Corporation is poised to embark on the construction of its state-of-the-art headquarters, with an investment of Rs 93 crore, but the project awaits the next visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his parliamentary constituency for the foundation laying ceremony. According to officials, once the Prime Minister performs the groundbreaking, the construction is slated to be completed within 15 months, marking a significant upgrade for the civic body's operations.
Design and Theme Inspired by Kashi and Ganga
The exterior design of the Rs 97 crore building is meticulously crafted to reflect the cultural essence of Varanasi, drawing inspiration from the Kashi and Ganga themes. The structure is designed to resemble a Shivling, symbolizing the spiritual heritage of the city. This architectural marvel will not only serve as a functional administrative hub but also as a landmark that honors Varanasi's rich traditions.
Ending the Wait for a Permanent House
With the completion of this building, the long-standing wait for elected corporators and the mayor to have a dedicated space for conducting sessions of the local body will finally come to an end. Currently, the municipal corporation operates from a temporary setup at Town Hall, a situation that arose after its old building was demolished in 2018 to make way for the Rudraksh International Convention Centre, which was constructed with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Modern Facilities and Grand Assembly Hall
The new headquarters will feature a grand assembly hall on the first floor, specifically designed for the civic body's proceedings. This hall will accommodate 180 councillors and be equipped with modern facilities to facilitate democratic discussions and efficient governance. The inclusion of such advanced amenities underscores the commitment to enhancing administrative processes and public service delivery.
Project Initiation and Demolition Plans
Mayor Ashok Tiwari announced that the contract for the construction has been awarded to a company through a tender process, with the Construction & Design Section of UP Jal Nigam serving as the executing agency. Work on evacuating identified dilapidated buildings in the rear portion of the existing headquarters is set to commence within one to two days. Tiwari emphasized that the foundation will be laid by PM Modi during his next visit, aligning with the Prime Minister's vision and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's firm resolve for comprehensive civic transformation.
Building Specifications and Future Expansion
The project will initially involve a ground plus 4-storey structure, with a total built-up area of 21,858.01 square metres. Plans are in place to expand the building to seven storeys (G+7) in the future, ensuring scalability to meet evolving administrative needs. The ground floor is designed to provide all basic public facilities under one roof, organized into three separate sections:
- First Section: Includes a record room, cash counter, vault room, meeting room, green room, JCO room, and toilets.
- Second Section: Features a lift, service area, toilets, and union hall.
- Third Section: Houses a police station, bank/post office, canteen, server room, birth/death registration room, record room, and tax collection room.
Enhanced Administrative Efficiency
Offices of different departments will be systematically distributed across the upper floors to boost administrative efficiency. The second floor will include special chambers for corporators and VVIP rooms, ensuring a conducive environment for official functions. Upon completion, all offices will shift to the new building, with the existing offices in the front portion of the corporation's headquarters being allotted to Jal-Kal, which is currently operating at Kamaksha.
This ambitious project represents a major step forward in modernizing Varanasi's municipal infrastructure, promising improved governance and public services for residents.
