2025.06.11 (Vrindavan Today News): The district administration of Mathura has initiated a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for families to be displaced by the upcoming Banke Bihari Corridor. As the ancient town prepares for a modern transformation, meticulous efforts are underway to ensure that the affected residents are not only adequately compensated but also resettled with dignity and care.
The proposed Banke Bihari Corridor, a flagship development initiative, is expected to significantly enhance the experience of the millions of devotees who visit the revered Shri Banke Bihari Ji temple each year. The corridor project, which involves the acquisition of approximately 5.5 acres of land, will streamline access and decongest the surrounding areas. In doing so, however, it impacts 275 families, including 200 shopkeepers who currently reside or operate within the planned construction zone.
To address this, the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA) has undertaken the responsibility of relocating these affected families to newly identified sites. Two key areas have been earmarked for this purpose: Rukmini Vihar and Sunrakh Bangar. Both locations fall within Vrindavan’s extended urban landscape and have been chosen for their suitability to accommodate newly designed residential complexes.
District Magistrate Shri Chandra Prakash Singh (IAS) announced that those affected by the project will be given the choice to relocate either to Rukmini Vihar or Sunrakh Bangar. Detailed planning has already commenced, with the intention to construct modern residential flats in these locations under the supervision of the MVDA. The goal is to provide a living environment that not only replaces what has been lost but also elevates the standard of living for the displaced population.
Each affected household will receive compensation in accordance with the nature and value of their property—be it land or constructed buildings. Moreover, all shopkeepers who lose their business establishments due to the corridor construction will be allocated commercial spaces within the newly developed corridor area itself, ensuring continuity of livelihood.
The MVDA’s Vice-Chairman, Mr. S.B. Singh, shared key details about the upcoming residential plan. In Rukmini Vihar, four sizeable plots have been earmarked for development: 3924.91 sq. meters, 2844 sq. meters, 1800 sq. meters, and 1504 sq. meters respectively. These will host 325 to 350 flats, primarily designed as 1BHK and 2BHK units under group housing schemes. If further demand arises, an additional 3.5 acres of land at Sunrakh Bangar has been reserved to expand the housing project.
The architectural layout of these flats has already been finalized. According to MVDA Secretary Mr. Arvind Dwivedi, Rukmini Vihar holds top priority in the development sequence. The focus is to construct modern, durable, and community-friendly housing that integrates seamlessly into the local urban context while preserving Vrindavan’s spiritual and cultural ethos.
This rehabilitation initiative is emblematic of a balanced approach to urban development—one that honors tradition while embracing progress. The project not only reflects the state’s commitment to creating world-class infrastructure for pilgrims but also sets a precedent in humane urban planning by ensuring that displaced families are provided with secure housing, compensation, and commercial continuity.
As Vrindavan gears up for this monumental change, the Banke Bihari Corridor promises not only to redefine the city’s physical landscape but also to elevate its civic experience—honoring the sanctity of one of India’s most sacred towns while embracing the demands of the 21st century.
