Varanasi, July 26 — The long-awaited road widening project in Dalmandi, one of Varanasi’s most congested and culturally significant areas, has officially begun. Under heavy security deployment, bulldozers have started clearing structures to make way for a 10-meter-wide road that will stretch 650 meters — a move aimed at improving access to the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, one of Hinduism’s most sacred pilgrimage sites.

The high-profile project, launched under the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and approved by the state cabinet, is being executed with a budget of ₹200 crore. In preparation for possible unrest, forces from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Rapid Action Force (RAF), and local police have been stationed throughout the area. A flag march was also conducted ahead of Friday prayers, with the district placed on high alert.

Dalmandi is known as Purvanchal’s largest Muslim market, and the project has sparked tensions due to its socio-economic and religious sensitivities. The demolition plan includes 189 shops and six historic mosques, raising concerns among local Muslim traders and residents. Anticipating resistance, authorities have significantly increased security in the region.

Chief Minister Yogi has issued special instructions to accelerate the pace of work, particularly after the recent monsoon rains. The road widening is being executed in phases, currently focusing on the stretch leading up to the city’s bustling Chowk area.

The district administration has confirmed that compensation processes have begun, though many shopkeepers remain uncertain about their future. While some locals view the redevelopment as a long-overdue step toward better infrastructure and pilgrimage convenience, others fear deep economic and cultural disruptions.

Officials argue that the widened road will ease traffic flow and improve pilgrimage logistics, serving the thousands of devotees who visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple each day. However, balancing developmental goals with the preservation of heritage and community harmony remains a major challenge.

Despite the project’s long-term vision, the coming weeks will test how effectively the government can manage both progress and public sentiment in one of Varanasi’s most densely packed and historically rich neighborhoods.