In a major development for infrastructure improvement, the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) and the Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to execute a comprehensive Rs 45.30 crore storm water drainage project. This collaborative effort aims to provide a permanent solution to persistent waterlogging issues affecting both the railway township and the surrounding city areas. The project is set to enhance civic infrastructure and ensure the long-term safety of railway residential properties.
- Project Cost: Total investment of Rs 45.30 crore, shared between BLW (Rs 24.00 crore) and VMC (Rs 21.30 crore).
- Infrastructure Scope: Construction of a 14.20-kilometer-long storm water drainage system spanning from Pahadi Gate to Chitaipur Road.
- Scientific Waste Management: New agreements signed for legacy waste bioremediation and daily solid waste processing in the BLW township.
Permanent Relief from Waterlogging
The drainage project is a strategic move to address flooding during the monsoon season. Under the agreement, BLW will construct interceptor drains within its premises, while the Varanasi Municipal Corporation will develop the connecting storm water drainage network in the adjacent municipal areas. Once completed, this 14.20-km system will protect railway quarters in the BLW West Colony from water damage and provide significant relief to thousands of local residents who face daily commute challenges during heavy rains.
Scientific Waste Management Initiatives
Beyond drainage, BLW and VMC have entered into two vital service agreements to modernize solid waste management in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. The first agreement focuses on the bio-remediation and scientific disposal of legacy waste that has accumulated at the BLW dump site over the years. The second agreement, valid for one year, establishes a systematic process for the collection, transportation, and scientific processing of daily municipal solid waste generated within the BLW township.
The exchange of documents was overseen by BLW General Manager Ashutosh Pant and Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal. This partnership marks a significant step toward a cleaner, greener, and more resilient urban environment for the Varanasi region, ensuring that both industrial operations and public life remain unaffected by poor drainage or waste disposal challenges.