Varanasi: In its first major township initiative since the launch of the Lalpur Awas Yojana in 1994, the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) is set to develop three integrated townships, including a Sports City near the under-construction international cricket stadium at Ganjari. Backed by Rs 400 crore in seed capital from the state govt and monitored closely by chief minister Yogi Adityanath, the projects are expected to give a major boost to planned urban development in the city.VDA vice-chairman Purna Bora said two projects — the 250-acre Anand Kashi Township at Kallipur and the 165-acre Rudra Vihar Township at Madhni — will be launched soon, while pre-launch formalities for the 160-acre Sports City at Ganjari are in the final stage. He added that landowners have contributed 45 acres in Kallipur and Madhni under the land-pooling scheme.For these township projects, the state govt provided an initial seed capital of Rs 400 crore. Bora said, “So far, VDA has distributed Rs 950 crore among farmers who contributed their land for the projects.”For the first time, VDA has adopted the land-pooling model for township development. Under this system, instead of acquiring land, farmers become partners in the development process and receive developed plots in return. Bora said that while farmers were initially hesitant about the policy, awareness campaigns highlighting its benefits encouraged them to participate. The successful participation of owners of 45 acres of land has prompted more farmers to come forward and join the scheme.VDA is investing over Rs 200 crore in each township for infrastructure development. The projects will feature modern road networks, green spaces, civic amenities and other essential urban infrastructure aimed at creating high-quality living environments.The RERA registration process for Anand Kashi Township is underway, and the project is expected to be launched in July. In the first phase, more than 300 residential plots ranging from 72 square metres to 450 square metres will be offered, catering to different income groups.Bora said the township is envisioned as a regional economic hub rather than merely a residential project. It will include space for hotels, hospitals, schools, group housing and commercial establishments, generating employment opportunities and boosting economic activity in the surrounding areas.Plots in Anand Kashi Township will be allotted through a transparent lottery system. Once registrations open, interested applicants can participate in the draw, and successful applicants will receive plots at the base rate.Anand Kashi is being developed as Varanasi’s first theme-based gated city, inspired by the cultural heritage and spirit of Kashi. Special emphasis is being placed on sustainable and green development, with expert landscape planners engaged to design an environmentally friendly urban space. Construction of the boundary wall, entry gate and internal road network is currently underway. Meanwhile, the master planning process for the Madhni and Ganjari townships is also progressing.Bora said the VDA aims to accelerate planned and sustainable urban development in Varanasi by creating modern, green and well-equipped townships aligned with the city’s future needs.After developing the Lalpur Awas Yojana residential township in 1994, the VDA was unable to execute any major residential township project for more than three decades due to various constraints.
