Varanasi: Varanasi has taken a significant step toward upgrading its urban infrastructure while safeguarding its cultural and spiritual heritage, with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited ( BPCL) signing MoUs for two major CSR-funded projects worth more than Rs69.21 crore.The agreements were signed on Monday in the presence of mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari, divisional commissioner S Rajalingam and BPCL CMD Sanjay Khanna. Senior officials from BPCL, the district administration, Varanasi Smart City Limited, Varanasi Development Authority and Kashi Integrated Parking and Recreational Foundation were also present.Under the first MoU, BPCL will provide Rs48 crore for the redevelopment and beautification of 119 public parks across Varanasi. The project will include landscaping, walking tracks, open gyms, children’s play equipment, drainage systems, lighting and horticulture work.Two modern food street hubs will also be developed at Sarnath and Maidagin as part of the same initiative. These hubs will have organized vending infrastructure, water and sanitation facilities, CCTV surveillance, solar lighting and improved amenities for visitors. The project will be implemented jointly by BPCL, Kashi Integrated Parking and Recreational Foundation and Varanasi Smart City Limited.A second MoU worth Rs21.21 crore was signed with the VDA for the beautification and redevelopment of key heritage routes in the city. The work will cover the heritage corridor from Thatheri Gali to Kaal Bhairav Temple, façade beautification from Godowlia crossing to Maidagin crossing, and redevelopment of the lane leading to Manikarnikaeshwar Temple at Manikarnika Ghat.The heritage redevelopment will include heritage-sensitive roadwork, stone-paved streets, façade restoration, heritage lighting, signboards, street furniture, murals, public art and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.The projects are expected to be completed within 36 months. Officials said the initiatives will improve civic amenities, urban aesthetics, environmental sustainability and heritage tourism in Varanasi, while providing better facilities for residents, pilgrims and tourists and creating improved livelihood opportunities for local vendors.
