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A Quick Tour to Varanasi
Varanasi, also known as Banaras, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Located on the banks of the holy river Ganga, Varanasi has been attracting pilgrims for centuries. The ghats are considered to be the site of honoured rituals, from Ganga arti to cremation ceremonies, everything takes place at this place. It is one of the seven sacred cities in the country and the home of Lord Shiva.
Varanasi is rich in culture and history. It has been the centre of learning for many years. The city is known for its arts, culture, music, and literature. It has produced many poets, scholars, and poets. People visit the city for its temples, such as Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple, and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. Also, Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon on gaining enlightenment, is a few kilometres away from Varanasi.
Varanasi has a population of around 17 lakh, and the metro population is expected to be around 20 lakh. Besides being known for its temples, Varanasi is also famous for its educational institutions, such as Banaras Hindu University, and musical centres. Due to its high population and continuous tourism, Varanasi requires a metro system to reduce road congestion and ensure safe travel.
Need for Varanasi Metrolite
Population Growth
The population of Varanasi is continuously rising. As the place is known for its culture, many people have started shifting there. Besides residents, many people travel to Varanasi for worship or to explore the place. Due to this, the roads in the city are getting congested.
Road Congestion
As many people visit this holy place, the city needs more space and roads. Road congestion makes people late to their destinations. To avoid this issue, public transport is needed to reduce the reliance on personal vehicles.
Varanasi Metrolite Project
DPR Approved
In 2015, RITES prepared the Varanasi Metro project’s initial Detailed Project Report (DPR), which suggested a heavy-rail system. Approximately 80% of the Phase 1 lines are expected to be underground. On April 18, 2016, the Uttar Pradesh government approved the DPR, and on May 23, 2016, the central government approved the DPR.
Infrastructure Details
Varanasi metro was found infeasible in August 2020 due to a lack of funds and policy issues. In response to this, a light metro project was proposed for Varanasi City.
The proposed system consists of 2 corridors and 26 stations, which will be built by the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (UPMRCL). It will include 20 underground stations and 6 elevated stations.
| 2015 | The Housing and Urban Planning Department of the UP government appointed RITES Limited to prepare of DPR for Varanasi Metro. The Varanasi Development Authority was nominated as the nodal agency and the Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation was the coordinating agency for the preparation of the study. On May 6, 2015, an MoA was signed between VDA and RITES to carry the assignment |
| 2016 | On January 6, the ‘Draft Final Report was submitted. On January 15, the meeting was held to finalize DPR. On January 28, a presentation on the ‘Draft Final Report’ was made to the commissioner, Varanasi and stakeholders, and presented to Dr E. Sreedharan, principal Advisor, LMRC on February 2. After suggested changes, ‘Final DPR’ was submitted on February 25, and formally presented to the chief secretary on February 29. |
Partnership Details
Varanasi Metrolite Project is planned to be carried out as a joint venture with 50:50 equity partnerships between the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Besides their equity commitment, both governments have decided to add extra funds to maintain the stability of the project.
Metrolite Operations
The operational date of the Varanasi metrolite project is not yet finalised.
Lines of Varanasi Metrolite
| Operational: 0 km; Under Construction: 0 km; Proposed: 29.235 kmEstimated Cost: Rs. 17,000 crores |
Varanasi Metrolite Proposed Routes
Line 1: BHEL – BHU (Banaras Hindu University)
- Length: 19.35 km
- Number of Stations: 17
- Station Names: BHEL, Tarna, Shivpur, Sangam Colony, Gilat Bazar, Bhojubeer, Collectorate, Nadesar, Varanasi Junction, Kashi Vidyapeeth, Rathyatra, Benia Bagh, Kashi Vishvanath, Bangali Tola, Ratnakar Park, Tulsi Manas Mandir and Banaras Hindu University
| Elevated Stations (3.845 km stretch) | Underground Stations (15.505 km stretch) |
| BHEL, Tarna, Shivpur, Sangam Colony | Gilat Bazar, Bhojubeer, Collectorate, Nadesar, Varanasi Junction, Kashi Vidyapeeth, Rathyatra, Benia Bagh, Kashi Vishvanath, Bangali Tola, Ratnakar Park, Tulsi Manas Mandir and Banaras Hindu University |
Line 2: Benia Bagh – Sarnath
- Length: 9.885 km (1.923 km elevated stretch and 7.962 km underground stretch)
- Number of Stations: 9
- Station Names: Benia Bagh, Kotwali, Machodri Park, Kashi Bus Depot, Jalalipura, Punchkroshi, Ashapur, Havelia, Sarnath
| Elevated Stations (1.923 km stretch) | Underground Stations (7.962 km stretch) |
| Punchkroshi, Ashapur | Benia Bagh, Kotwali, Machodri Park, Kashi Bus Depot, Jalalipura, Havelia, Sarnath |
Varanasi Water Metro
To promote water tourism in this divine city, the first water metro has reached Varanasi. Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) has shipped this ferry to Varanasi.
Updates On Varanasi Metrolite Project
Project on Hold
The Varanasi Metro Project was put on hold in 2017 because of excessive expenditures and low anticipated ridership. These reasons contradicted the new Metrolite Rail Policy of the Indian government.
Changes in Design
The project has been renamed Metrolite or Light Metro Rail and has undergone design and positioning changes. In December 2019, RITES delivered its report to the Uttar Pradesh government after finishing the route between BHEL and BHU.
Varanasi Metrolite Project Timeline
| Year | Month | Project Updates |
| 2016 | May | Detailed Project Report approved.Total Length: 29.235 kmCorridor 1: BHEL – BHU (19.35 km)Corridor 2: Benia Bagh – Sarnath (9.885 km) |
| 2017 | September | Detailed Project Report (DPR) dropped due to the new metro rail policy. RITES was instructed to prepare a new DPR. |
| December | The new DPR got approved under the ‘New Metro Rail Policy’ | |
| 2018 | June | The Varanasi Metro Rail Project was rejected due to a shortage of funds |
| 2019 | February | In UP Budget 2019, CM Yogi Adityanath allocated ₹150 crores |
| 2020 | August | Metro rail found to be infeasible; light metro proposed |
| September | Detailed Project Report (DPR) was reviewed for metrolite rail | |
| 2021 | February | Uttar Pradesh government allocated ₹100 crores for the metrolite. |
Key Specifications of the Varanasi Metrolite
| SpeeINFRASTRUCTUREd and Track | Maximum Speed: 90 km/h |
| Average Speed: 35 km/h | |
| Track Gauge: Standard gauge track measuring 1435 mm. | |
| Train Length | 3 Coaches |
| System Length | 29.235 km |
Challenges Faced By Varanasi Metrolite
Heritage Destruction
It will be a challenge to construct metrolite line in Varanasi without hurting the heritage of the city. It was also mentioned by E Sreedharan, the Metro Man, who went to the city to review the project.
Population
The city is densely populated and it also attracts a large number of tourists. Due to the dense population, most of the project’s work will need to be done at night.
Benefits of the Varanasi Metrolite Project
Improved Connectivity to the Ghats and Temples
Varanasi is one of the most loved holy places in India. The metrolite in the city will allow residents and tourists to easily reach auspicious ghats like Dashashwamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat, promoting tourism in the city. Varanasi has a few famous temples, like the Kashi Vishwanath temple. The metrolite will provide easy temple access, promoting tourism and convenience for devotees.
Reduced Road Congestion
During festivals or any auspicious day, the narrow streets get blocked by vehicles and people. The metrolite in the city would reduce vehicles on the roads. It will reduce the traffic on the streets and help residents and tourists to navigate places easily.
Impact on Real Estate Prices
The Varanasi Metrolite project is expected to improve the overall living standard of the city. Once the metrolite becomes operational, the property rates under resale and construction are expected to rise. The rental rates of the properties are also expected to see a rise.
Boost Local Economy
Varanasi Metrolite will not only provide enhanced transportation facilities to the residents and tourists but it will also create business opportunities in the city. Besides creating employment in the construction and operations of the metrolite, the local economy will see a boost.
The shops in the range of the metrolite corridor will be benefited. As the city develops, many educational institutions and commercial centres will open, leading to economic growth of city. Property rates are expected to rise in areas such as Shivpur, Sarnath, and Belapur. Once the metrolite is accessible to the public, property rates for both resale and under-construction properties will rise. Also, the rental market in the area of the Metrolite corridor is expected to increase.
Conclusion
The Varanasi metrolite project is a crucial step towards addressing the growing urban challenges while considering the city’s cultural and historical significance. By providing efficient transportation, the metrolite will reduce road congestion, enhance connectivity to the temples and ghats, and lead to economic growth by creating job opportunities and tourism. Despite initial setbacks, the project aims to transform the city into a more sustainable, modern, and accessible city.
