Varanasi: The Varanasi Development Authority has recorded a historic revenue haul of Rs 500 crore between Nov 2025 and the end of Sept 2026, marking the highest revenue generated in VDA’s history.The figure represents a striking surge from VDA’s earlier annual revenue of around Rs 120 crore. In less than a year, the Authority has earned more than four times its usual yearly income.The growth has come mainly from a 250% rise in building map approvals, covering both fresh sanctions and the compounding of existing constructions, along with the disposal of land parcels that had remained idle or under encroachment for years, said VDA vice-chairperson Purna Borah. He said the VDA aims to become financially self-reliant and use its own resources to improve infrastructure and civic services.Between Nov 2025 and Sept, he said, the VDA approved 1,952 building maps, including 1,073 compounding cases and 879 new online maps. It also cleared 93 layouts, 22 group housing projects and 39 hotel projects, signalling renewed compliance by property owners and stronger private investment in real estate, tourism and hospitality.The hotel approvals, including expansions of existing properties, are expected to add about 1,900 rooms to the city’s accommodation capacity. Projects involve brands such as Holiday Inn, Taj Gateway, Pullman, ITC Welcome, Novotel, Ginger, Centrum Hotel, Hotel Momentus, Sarovar Portico and Lemon Tree. The additions are expected to ease pressure during peak pilgrimage seasons and major events while supporting jobs and tourism-led growth beyond the old city.The 22 group housing approvals will create 2,283 residential units, said Borah, mentioning the real estate brands executing these projects. The VDA said planned and legally sanctioned housing will give buyers safer options and help manage Varanasi’s urban expansion.The authority is urging owners of unapproved properties to seek map approval or regularisation through compounding. Approved maps reduce the risk of future disputes and make property transactions, bank loans and compliance with safety norms easier. Applications can be filed through the online building map approval system, with VDA staff available for guidance.The VDA will use the additional income for city development and plans to invest Rs 200 crore in infrastructure this financial year. Its jurisdiction now covers nearly 1,000 sq km, including more than 800 villages in Varanasi, Chandauli and Mirzapur.The authority has acquired around 350 acres, valued at nearly Rs 1,200 crore, for planned townships with residential areas, commercial centres, schools, hospitals, recreation facilities and amenities.He appealed to citizens to regularise unapproved buildings, saying this would secure their property and support planned urban development.
