The project to develop Kashi Railway Station into a multi-modal terminal has led to a fresh dispute over the Ganj Shahida Mosque. The railway administration has issued a notice to remove the mosque by June 20, 2026, claiming the structure is an illegal encroachment on railway land. The mosque management committee has called the notice misleading and plans to challenge it in court.
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What is the railway administration’s stand?
North Railway official Samarth Gupta stated that the site is on railway land and is hindering the station’s development work. The administration mentioned that a previous court case (No. 1174/191) filed by Anjuman Intizamiya vs Union of India was dismissed in 2024. Based on this, the railway issued the removal notice around June 13, 2026, to clear the path for the project.
What is the response from the Mosque Committee?
S.M. Yasin, Joint Secretary of Anjuman Intizamiya Masajid Committee, claimed the notice lacks official signatures or stamps. The committee argues that the mosque dates back to 1034 AD and is recorded in the 1883-84 settlement maps, making it older than the railway. They also stated that the 2024 court case mentioned by the railway was about land outside the mosque and not the structure itself.
Key details of the dispute
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Deadline for removal | June 20, 2026 |
| Notice Date | Around June 13, 2026 |
| Project Goal | Multi-modal terminal development |
| Previous Action | Ajgaib Shahid Mosque and graveyard removed around June 3, 2026 |
| Current Status | Committee preparing appeal for High Court |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the deadline given by the railway to remove the mosque?
The railway administration has set June 20, 2026, as the final date for the removal of the Ganj Shahida Mosque.
Why is the mosque being removed?
The removal is part of the project to develop Kashi Railway Station into a multi-modal terminal, as the railway claims the mosque is an illegal encroachment.