The demolition drive under the Dalmandi road widening project resumed in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi on Saturday after a brief pause during Bakrid. Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), accompanied by a heavy police presence, demolished several buildings as part of the ongoing project aimed at transforming the narrow and congested market area.
According to officials, 15 houses were demolished on Saturday, while some reports said action began on 18 buildings, including three older structures and 15 newly marked ones. Authorities said the operation was carried out peacefully under strict security arrangements.
To prevent any law-and-order issue, nearly 200 police personnel were deployed in the area under the supervision of ACP Dashashwamedh Atul Anjan. Police, paramilitary forces, and administrative officials remained stationed at key locations while drone cameras monitored the operation.
“Adequate police force was deployed to ensure the PWD’s action under the Dalmandi project was completed peacefully. The situation remained completely normal during the operation,” ACP Atul Anjan said.
Demolition Was Paused During Bakrid
Officials said the demolition campaign had been temporarily suspended because of Eid al-Adha and restarted after the festival concluded.
PWD authorities stated that the owners of the demolished properties had already received compensation and the demolition process began only after legal and registry formalities were completed.
So far, more than 60 houses have been demolished, while work is ongoing on several others. In total, 181 buildings have been identified for removal under the project.
Officials said the administration aims to complete demolition of all marked buildings in phases, with intensified work expected over the coming days.
What Is the Dalmandi Project?
Dalmandi, one of Varanasi’s busiest and oldest commercial areas, is being redeveloped under a major road widening plan announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the city.
The project seeks to widen the 650-metre-long stretch between Nayi Sadak and Chowk police station into a 60-foot-wide road. According to PWD officials, the redesigned road will include a 30-foot carriageway and 15-foot-wide footpaths on both sides.
Electricity lines, sewer systems, and water pipelines will be shifted underground to improve infrastructure and remove overhead wire congestion.
Officials said the Uttar Pradesh government has allocated around ₹215.88 crore for the project. Out of this, approximately ₹191 crore has been set aside as compensation for around 186 building and shop owners affected by the widening work.
Compensation Process Completed
PWD teams carried out measurements to identify how much land from each building falls within the proposed road expansion. Based on these assessments, compensation was determined and registry procedures were completed before demolition began.
Officials said six mosques also fall within the affected zone, though authorities have maintained that all actions are being taken according to legal procedures.
The district administration said the campaign is being monitored closely to ensure smooth implementation without disruption.
Authorities believe that once completed, the project will ease traffic congestion in Dalmandi and improve business activity in the historic market area.
“The campaign has reached its final stage and the entire area will soon have a new look,” an official said.
