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Varanasi Development Authority VDA Housing Scheme

Jan 19 2026

Varanasi to Get Five Major Housing Projects After Long Gap: VDA and UP Awas Vikas Begin Land Acquisition

Varanasi is set to witness a major boost in planned urban development, with five large-scale housing projects proposed across different parts of the city. After nearly two decades without any major housing scheme from development authorities, the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) and Uttar Pradesh Awas Vikas Parishad (UPAVP) have initiated the land acquisition and land pooling process for these upcoming townships.

The proposed housing projects will come up in Harhua, Pindra, Marni, Ganjari, and Kallipur areas. These projects are expected to significantly improve planned residential infrastructure and curb unregulated colonisation that expanded rapidly in recent years due to the absence of official housing schemes.

Land Acquisition and Project Details

According to officials, the land acquisition process will be completed within approximately one year. The size of these projects ranges from 100 acres to nearly 800 acres, and once completed, they are expected to provide housing facilities to around 5,000 to 8,000 families in the form of residential plots and flats.

  • World City Expo, Harhua:
    Proposed by Uttar Pradesh Awas Vikas Parishad over nearly 250–377 hectares, the project has already entered the land purchase stage. Farmers have begun receiving notices, and discussions are underway for voluntary land transfer.

  • Marni Hi-Tech City:
    Planned along the Ring Road near Sandaha, this 150+ acre project is being developed by VDA through a land pooling model, with negotiations ongoing with farmers.

  • Sports City, Ganjari:
    This project is proposed over 150 acres near the Raja Talab Ring Road and close to the under-construction international cricket stadium. VDA is leading discussions with farmers for land pooling and mutual consent-based acquisition.

  • Kashi Dwar Residential Project, Pindra:
    One of the largest projects, proposed over 800 acres, this scheme has completed surveys across seven villages. More than 800 landowners have already submitted consent letters to sell their land to UPAVP.

  • Kallipur Residential Project:
    Located near the Varanasi–Prayagraj main road, this 100-acre land pooling-based project has received consent from over 80% of farmers, who have already submitted their agreement documents.

A Push for Planned Urban Growth

District authorities stated that land purchasing activities will formally begin from February–March, marking a new phase of structured urban development in the city. Officials emphasized that these projects are part of a broader plan to transform Varanasi into a modern, high-tech city, in line with state government directives.

Given that Varanasi is also the parliamentary constituency of the Prime Minister, special focus is being placed on infrastructure, housing, and sustainable city planning

 



Varanasi to Get Two Major Housing Projects Including Sports City Near International Cricket Stadium

Varanasi is set for a significant urban development push as the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) prepares to launch two large-scale housing township projects. One of these projects will be a Sports City near the International Cricket Stadium in Ganjari, while the second township will be developed along Ring Road-2 in the Marahi area.

Both projects are expected to reshape residential planning and infrastructure development in Varanasi over the coming years.

Two New Housing Townships Announced by VDA in Varanasi

The VDA has officially announced the development of two integrated housing projects aimed at planned urban expansion, modern infrastructure, and organized residential plotting.

Sports City Township Near International Cricket Stadium, Ganjari

  • Location: Ganjari, near the International Cricket Stadium

  • Total Area: Approx. 400 acres

  • Project Type: Sports City–based residential township

Key Features of Ganjari Sports City

  • Residential plots in large, medium, and small sizes

  • League buildings and commercial spaces

  • Multi-level parking facilities

  • Parks and open green areas

  • Shops and public seating zones

  • World-class infrastructure linked to sports activities

  • Special parking and traffic facilities during international cricket matches

Integrated Township Along Ring Road-2 in Marahi

  • Location: Marahi area, Ring Road-2

  • Total Area: Approx. 200 hectares

  • Project Type: Planned residential township

Key Development Highlights

  • Organized residential plotting

  • Modern civic infrastructure

  • Connectivity to Ring Road-2

  • Multiple plot size options for buyers

Project Timeline and Launch Schedule

According to officials, development work on both housing projects is expected to begin in June–July 2026.

Land Acquisition and Plot Pricing

  • Land acquisition will start once groundwork begins

  • Plot rates will be finalized only after land acquisition

  • Official scheme launch dates will be announced later by VDA

VDA Imposes Ban on Land Registration Around Project Areas

Following the township announcements, the Varanasi Development Authority has imposed a ban on land registration in several surrounding villages to prevent illegal transactions and unauthorized plotting.

Advisory Issued to Sub-Registrar Offices

  • VDA has issued formal orders

  • Letters sent to all concerned Sub-Registrar offices

  • No registry allowed without VDA NOC in notified villages

This move was taken after complaints surfaced about people being misled by brokers taking advance payments despite the registration ban.

List of Villages Where Land Purchase Is Prohibited

Villages Around Ganjari Sports City (Cricket Stadium Area)

Land registration is banned in the following villages:

  • Ganjari

  • Harsos

  • Suichak

  • Veerwanpur

  • Faidpur

  • Shiv Sagar

  • Harpur

  • Hardaspur

Villages Around Marahi Township Area

Land registration is banned in:

  • Marahi

  • Shankarpur

  • Newada

  • Jahalipur

  • Pargana Bhavanpura

  • Gauri Kala

 Any land transaction in these villages requires prior VDA NOC.

Warning for Buyers and Investors

The VDA has clearly warned that:

  • Construction or investment in notified areas without approval is illegal

  • Buyers may face strict legal action

  • Money invested in such land deals may be permanently lost

Reason Behind the Ban

Property dealers were found illegally converting agricultural land into plots and selling them to unsuspecting buyers, prompting VDA intervention.

What to Expect Next From VDA

  • Official scheme brochures

  • Plot registration dates

  • Final pricing details

  • Application and allotment process

All verified updates will be released only through official VDA notifications after completion of the land acquisition process.

With the upcoming Sports City near the International Cricket Stadium and a large township along Ring Road-2, Varanasi is heading towards structured urban growth. However, buyers and investors are strongly advised to avoid unauthorized land purchases and wait for official VDA scheme announcements.

 

 



The Varanasi442 residential flats and a 400-bed hospital project in record time under its fast-track clearance mechanism.

Under the leadership of Shri Purna Bora, Vice Chairman, Varanasi Development Authority,layout approvals within 7 days and building map approvals within 48 hours on approved layouts,

Due to this streamlined system, housing and healthcare projects received approvals within 4 to 15 days, marking a major step towards ease of doing business and planned urban development in Varanasi.

Details of Approved Projects

  • Group Housing Project:244 in

  • Group Housing Project: 84 flats – approved in 8 days

  • Affordable Housing Project: 114 flats – approved in 15 days

  • With 400-bed multi-storey hospital – approved in 13 days

How to Apply for Layout or Building Map Approval

Applicants seeking layout or building plan approval can apply online through the VDA portal.

Step-by-step process:

  1. Visit the official website of Varanasi Development Authority (VDA)

  2. Select the Online Building Plan Approval / Layout Approval option

  3. Register or log in using applicant credentials

  4. Upload required documents and drawings as per norms

  5. Pay the applicable scrutiny and processing fees online

  6. Track application status through the dashboard

Once the layout is approved, map approval is granted within 48 hours, subject to compliance with rules.

Eligible

  • Individual plot owners

  • Builders and developers

  • Directing

  • Landowners with valid title documents

Projects must comply with VDA Building Bye-Laws, zoning regulations, and land-use norms.

Documents

  • Ownership documents / sale deed

  • Site plan and building drawings

  • Structural safety certificate

  • Fire safety NOC (where applicable)

  • Environmental clearance (for large projects)

  • Identity proof of applicant

Additional documents may be required depending on project size and category.

Approval Timeline 

  • Layout Approval: Within 7 days

  • Building Map Approval (on approved layout): Within 48 hours

  • Large Projects: 4–15 days (observed approvals)

Objective of the Initiative

VDA officials stated that the fast-track approval system aims to:

  • Encourage plans

  • Boost housing supply and healthcare infrastructure

  • Reduce approval delays and procedural bottlenecks

  • Improve investor and developer confidence

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