The Varanasi district administration and Railway authorities jointly demolished the 200-year-old Azgaib Shaheed Mosque near Kashi Station. This action took place during the night of June 2-3, 2026, to clear land for the Kashi Station Model Station Project. The project aims to transform the station into a modern multi-modal intermodal terminal.
Why was the mosque demolished?
The demolition was carried out because the mosque was built on land owned by the Indian Railways. The railway administration issued three separate notices to vacate the land before taking action. The court also ruled in favor of the railways, leaving the mosque management with no legal remedy after their petition in the High Court was dismissed.
What are the details of the Kashi Station project?
The Kashi Station is being developed as a high-tech hub with an estimated cost of 350 to 400 crore rupees. This project includes yard remodeling and infrastructure development to improve connectivity and reduce the pressure on Varanasi Cantt Railway Station. To ensure law and order, over 1,000 personnel from the Police, PAC, RPF, and paramilitary forces were deployed during the operation.
How was the demolition operation carried out?
The administration used 5 to 6 bulldozers to complete the demolition in about 22 minutes. The action was performed at midnight to avoid traffic congestion and maintain peace in the area. Officials confirmed that a Hanuman temple was also previously removed from the same encroached land to make way for the development work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the total cost of the Kashi Station Model Project?
The project is being developed at an estimated cost of approximately 350 to 400 crore rupees to create a multi-modal intermodal terminal.
Was the demolition done after legal permission?
Yes, the railway administration issued three notices and the court ruled in favor of the railways after the mosque management’s petition was dismissed.