In a move to strengthen infrastructure and promote economic growth, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved the formation of a new development authority that will integrate Prayagraj and Varanasi, following the model of the National Capital Region (NCR). This new authority will include seven districts—Prayagraj, Varanasi, Chandauli, Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Mirzapur, and Bhadohi—aiming for coordinated regional planning, better resource management, and improved services.

The formation of this authority is part of the Uttar Pradesh government’s broader strategy to streamline development and address urban challenges. It is designed to manage population pressures and improve living conditions for the millions of residents in these districts. This move follows the creation of the Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region (SCR) around Lucknow, which was formed to handle population growth and urbanization challenges.

The creation of both the SCR and the new Prayagraj-Varanasi development authority is modeled on the successful integrated growth approach of the NCR, which was established to manage the population influx into Delhi and promote coordinated development in neighboring regions of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan.