The Indian Railways carried out a major demolition drive at the Kashi Railway Station in Varanasi to make way for its redevelopment. A 200-year-old mosque, a graveyard, and a temple were removed during the operation. The action took place between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning on June 3, 2026.
Why were these structures demolished?
The structures, including the Ajgaib Shahid Mosque, a graveyard, and a Hanuman temple, were identified as encroachments on railway land. Divisional Commissioner S. Rajalingam confirmed that the railway had issued prior notices for the removal. The demolition followed a court decision that ruled in favor of the railway authorities after no further relief was granted to the occupants.
What is the Kashi Model Railway Station project?
This action is part of a larger plan to transform the Kashi Railway Station into an integrated transport hub with airport-like facilities. The project aims to modernize the passenger experience and expand the station’s capacity. The estimated cost for this redevelopment is between 304.61 crore and 400 crore rupees, with a target completion date of December 2027.
How was the demolition operation managed?
The drive was conducted under heavy security to prevent any untoward incidents. The operation was monitored by several senior officials, including Joint Police Commissioner Shiv Hari Meena and DCP Kashi Gaurav Banswal. The security deployment included:
| Personnel/Official Type | Approximate Strength |
|---|---|
| IPS Officers | 6 Officers |
| Paramilitary Forces | 500+ Personnel |
| Police & RPF | Multiple Units |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the budget and deadline for the Kashi Railway Station project?
The project cost is estimated between 304.61 crore and 400 crore rupees. Railway officials expect to complete the work by December 2027.
Which structures were removed during the drive?
The demolition included the Ajgaib Shahid Mosque, a graveyard, and a Hanuman temple, all of which were situated on railway land.