Archive · 1 Nov 2025
Varanasi Transforms Railway Scrap into Public Art Installations
Imagine old, unused train parts like metal beams and scraps.
In Varanasi, India, artists took this old metal and turned it into amazing statues and art pieces!
There's a giant statue of a bull named Nandi, a replica of the famous Benaras Ghats where people sit by the river, and even a colorful fish-shaped boat.
These artworks are now placed in parks and by the train station for everyone to see.
Artists from different parts of India worked together to create these giant sculptures, which are over 10 feet tall.
The project aims to make the city more beautiful and remind people about recycling and art.
Varanasi is installing public art sculptures crafted from old railway scrap across the city.
Installations include a giant Nandi statue, a Benaras Ghat replica, and various thematic artworks.
Artisans from 15 states collaborated on the project, utilizing materials from Banaras Locomotive Works.
The initiative, a joint effort by the Ministries of Culture and Railways, aims to beautify public spaces and promote environmental conservation.
35 out of 72 planned sculptures have been installed in prominent locations, with more to follow.
- Who
- Artisans from 15 states, supported by the Ministry of Culture (Central Lalit Kala Akademi, North East Zone Cultural Centre) and Ministry of Railways, with involvement from Varanasi Development Authority and BLW staff.
- What
- Creation and installation of public art sculptures made from railway scrap, depicting themes like culture, heritage, and social issues.
- When
- Project began on November 7, 2023, with the final piece completed in April 2024. Installation is ongoing.
- Where
- Varanasi, India, with sculptures placed at the railway station, Circuit House, parks, intersections, and highways.
- Why
- To integrate public art, enhance the city's beauty, promote environmental conservation, and reflect Varanasi's cultural and spiritual significance.
- Project Goal
- Integrate public art into Varanasi's cityscape using railway scrap.
- Organizers
- Ministries of Culture and Railways
- Artisan Involvement
- Artisans from 15 states created sculptures.
- Production Site
- Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW)
- Sculpture Count
- 35 out of 72 planned artworks installed.
- Sculpture Height
- Over 10 feet tall
- Project Start Date
- November 7, 2023
- Project End Date
- April 2024 (final piece completion)