Archive · 18 Sep 2025
Vrindavan's Banke Bihari Corridor Project Approved by Supreme Court
The government is building a new corridor near the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan.
This is part of a larger plan to boost religious tourism and includes widening roads and building parking lots.
It is modeled after the Kashi-Vishwanath corridor, which also saw significant changes.
The Supreme Court has approved the project and the state government is contributing funds.
The project involves acquiring land and displacing residents.
Some locals worry about losing their homes, while the Goswami community is protesting the changes to the temple's governance and original form.
Supreme Court approved land acquisition for the Banke Bihari Corridor in Vrindavan.
The project aims to improve infrastructure for religious tourism.
It involves displacing residents and demolishing over 300 buildings.
The Goswami community is protesting the project due to concerns over the temple.
The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated funds of Rs 500 crores to the project.
- Who
- Uttar Pradesh government, residents of Vrindavan, Supreme Court
- What
- Development of the Banke Bihari Corridor, including land acquisition and infrastructure improvements.
- When
- Approved in May by Supreme Court, proposed in 2017
- Where
- Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, around the Banke Bihari Temple
- Why
- To improve infrastructure for religious tourism; improve safety, and accessibility for devotees.
Local Resident Concerns
Government/Supporters' View
Displacement and Livelihoods
Local Resident Concerns
Residents and shopkeepers fear losing their homes and businesses due to displacement.
Government/Supporters' View
The project aims to improve the area, addressing safety and convenience for visitors.
Community Control
Local Resident Concerns
The Goswami community opposes the transfer of temple governance and potential alteration of the temple's original form.
Government/Supporters' View
The project facilitates better access and amenities for devotees.
Urban Transformation
Local Resident Concerns
Critics say the project reconfigures the city, favoring outsiders and sanitizing the traditional cityscape.
Government/Supporters' View
The project aims to make the city more citizen-friendly and sustainable.
- Project Name
- Banke Bihari Corridor
- Location
- Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
- Project Goal
- Improve infrastructure for religious tourism
- Funding
- Rs 500 crores (Uttar Pradesh government), PRASHAD scheme
- Land Acquisition
- 5 acres around Banke Bihari Temple
- Displacement Impact
- Over 300 buildings