BPCL Signs MoUs for CSR Projects Worth ₹69.21 Crore to Transform Public Spaces and Preserve Varanasi’s Heritage
Projects to redevelop 119 public parks, establish food street hubs at Sarnath and Maidagin, and beautify key heritage corridors
Varanasi, September 7, 2026: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company and a Maharatna PSU, today signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for two major Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in Varanasi, with a total approved outlay of ₹69.21 crore. The initiatives will focus on enhancing public infrastructure, developing green spaces, strengthening tourism amenities and preserving the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
The MoU signing ceremony was held in Varanasi in the presence of Shri S. Rajalingam, Commissioner, Varanasi Division, and Shri Sanjay Khanna, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL and Director (Refineries) (Additional Charge).
The ceremony was also attended by Shri D. Parthasarthy, Executive Director (HRS), BPCL; Shri Himanshu Nagpal, Municipal Commissioner, Varanasi and representative of Varanasi Smart City Limited (VSCL); Shri Purna Borah, Vice Chairman, Varanasi Development Authority (VDA); Shri Amrendra Tiwari, Director, Kashi Integrated Parking & Recreational Foundation (KIPRF); Shri Milind M. Labhane, General Manager (Admin Services, Facilities & CSR), BPCL; Shri Trehan Achman, Head Retail North, BPCL; Shri Sanjay Yadav, Deputy General Manager (CSR), BPCL; Shri Saurabh Sharma, Territory Manager Retail, Varanasi; and Ms. Agrani Bose, Chief Manager HR (Chairman’s Office), BPCL.
Under the first MoU, BPCL will provide a CSR contribution of ₹48 crore towards the Redevelopment and Beautification of 119 Public Parks and Development of Food Street Hubs at Sarnath and Maidagin. The project will be implemented in partnership with BPCL, Kashi Integrated Parking & Recreational Foundation (KIPRF) and Varanasi Smart City Limited (VSCL).
The initiative will involve the redevelopment and beautification of 119 public parks across Varanasi, with a focus on improving landscaping, walking pathways, seating areas, children’s play equipment, open gyms, lighting, horticulture, drainage and other civic amenities. The project will also support the development of modern Food Street Hubs at Sarnath and Maidagin, featuring organised vending infrastructure, water and sanitation facilities, CCTV surveillance, solar lighting and improved visitor amenities.
The second MoU, valued at ₹21.21 crore, has been signed with the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) for the Beautification of Heritage Streets in Varanasi.
The project will cover key heritage locations, including the corridor from Thatheri Heritage Gali to Kal Bhairav Temple, façade enhancement works from Godauliya Chauraha to Maidagin Chauraha, and the redevelopment and beautification of the lane leading to Manikarnikeshwar Temple at Manikarnika Ghat.
The planned interventions will include heritage-sensitive streetscape improvements, stone paving, façade treatment, lighting, signage, street furniture, murals, public art, drainage improvements and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. These measures are aimed at improving the experience of residents, pilgrims and visitors while preserving the distinctive cultural character of Varanasi’s historic precincts.
Together, the two projects are expected to create a significant impact across Varanasi by improving public spaces, strengthening urban amenities, supporting heritage and tourism infrastructure, and creating better facilities for local communities and vendors. Upon completion, the upgraded assets will benefit residents, pilgrims and tourists, while contributing to the long-term development of Varanasi as a leading cultural and spiritual destination.
Speaking on the occasion, BPCL leadership reiterated the Company’s commitment to creating sustainable community assets and supporting transformative development through its CSR initiatives across the country. The projects reinforce BPCL’s focus on improving quality of life, strengthening urban infrastructure and contributing to the preservation of India’s cultural heritage for future generations.
Project Highlights
- Total CSR Investment: ₹69.21 crore
- 119 public parks to be redeveloped and beautified across Varanasi
- 2 Food Street Hubs to be developed at Sarnath and Maidagin
- 3 major heritage corridors/areas to be upgraded and beautified
- Enhanced facilities for residents, pilgrims, tourists and local vendors
- Project Duration: 36 months
