From Kadayanallur to Varanasi: IAS Officer S. Rajalingam Leads ₹60,000-Crore Urban and Spiritual Transformation of India’s Sacred City
Varanasi, India’s timeless spiritual heart, is in the midst of one of the most ambitious urban renewal exercises ever undertaken in the country. Steering this vast ₹60,000-crore transformation is IAS officer S. Rajalingam, a 2009-batch officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, who currently serves as Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi and Chairman of Varanasi Smart City Limited. Originally from Kadayanallur in Tamil Nadu’s Tenkasi district, Rajalingam has emerged as a key architect of the city’s rapid modernization while carefully safeguarding its ancient cultural and spiritual identity.
Rajalingam’s journey reflects a blend of technical expertise, administrative vision, and grassroots sensitivity. Raised in Tenkasi, he pursued engineering studies in Tiruchirappalli and later worked in the industrial hub of Hosur before entering the civil services. Although initially selected for the Indian Police Service (IPS), he opted to move to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), believing policy-making offered broader scope to influence long-term societal change.
He has repeatedly emphasized that his posting to Varanasi was driven purely by administrative requirements, not regional identity. His career in Uttar Pradesh has been marked by steady progression and consistently high-impact roles.
Before taking charge as Divisional Commissioner, Rajalingam served as District Magistrate of Varanasi for more than two and a half years, a tenure that coincided with frequent visits by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the execution of several flagship projects. His responsibilities included overseeing mega infrastructure works, managing large public events, and ensuring seamless coordination among civil and police authorities.
A Citywide Infrastructure Overhaul on an Unprecedented Scale
Under Rajalingam’s leadership, Varanasi is witnessing a comprehensive transformation guided by a Comprehensive Mobility and Urban Development Plan designed to support both spiritual tourism and modern urban living.
Transportation and Connectivity Revolution
A six-lane Ring Road and multiple new bridges over the Ganga have slashed airport-to-city travel time from nearly three hours to about 40 minutes.
Major arterial roads connecting the Ring Road to the city interior are being upgraded into four-lane high-capacity corridors.
Rail infrastructure has expanded rapidly, with seven Vande Bharat Express trains now operating from the city. Railway stations have been upgraded to handle up to one lakh passengers daily.
Air connectivity has grown exponentially, with daily flights increasing from 10 to more than 50, placing Varanasi among the fastest-growing regional aviation hubs.
Inland water transport has also been strengthened through the Ramnagar cargo port, expanded dredging of waterways, and the introduction of luxury cruise services, boosting both trade and tourism.
Transforming the Pilgrim Experience
One of the most significant projects underway is the ₹800-crore ropeway, India’s first urban public transport ropeway system. Once operational—expected by May 2026—it will connect Varanasi Junction railway station directly to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, reducing travel time from nearly an hour to just 15 minutes. The projected fare is expected to remain affordable, between ₹50 and ₹100, making it accessible to millions of pilgrims.
The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, another landmark project executed under close administrative supervision, has completely altered the city’s spiritual landscape. Daily footfall has surged from around 5,000 devotees to nearly 1.5–2 lakh visitors. With an estimated average per-pilgrim spending of ₹5,000, the project has generated a powerful economic ripple effect, benefiting weavers, artisans, hotel operators, transport providers, and small traders across the city.
Economic Impact and Development Timeline
Completed Projects: Infrastructure and urban development works worth approximately ₹40,000 crore have already been executed, covering roads, bridges, transit systems, and civic utilities.
Projects in Progress: The remaining ₹20,000 crore worth of initiatives are at various stages of execution and are scheduled for completion by 2030.
Smart City Push: Continuous investment is being made in digital governance, improved sanitation, upgraded public spaces, and smart service delivery systems to support the city’s rapid growth.
Rajalingam has consistently highlighted that Varanasi’s renewal is being pursued through a balanced model, where heritage conservation, environmental sensitivity, and economic expansion move forward together rather than in conflict.
Administrator Known for Grounded and Transparent Governance
Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Rajalingam has built a strong reputation within the Uttar Pradesh administrative cadre for his calm leadership, rigorous field inspections, and people-first governance style. A B.Tech in Chemical Engineering, he is known for combining technical precision with administrative pragmatism.
During his tenure as District Magistrate, he played a pivotal role in organizing major cultural initiatives such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, while also enforcing strict accountability among field officials through frequent, unannounced inspections. These efforts earned him recognition for improving service delivery and ensuring government schemes reached intended beneficiaries.
His elevation to Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi marked a continuation of this trust, placing him at the center of one of India’s most complex and symbolically important urban development efforts.
Today, as Varanasi evolves into a city that seamlessly blends ancient spirituality with modern infrastructure, S. Rajalingam stands out as one of the key administrators shaping this historic transition—quietly, systematically, and with a long-term vision that extends well beyond concrete and steel.
