NewKerala.com

Key Points

Kaushal Raj Sharma, the 2006-batch IAS officer who dramatically transformed Varanasi, has been transferred to Delhi in a strategic move. His impressive work on the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and urban infrastructure projects caught significant attention from the Prime Minister's Office. The transfer comes after a brief stint as Secretary to Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Speculation is rife that Sharma might join Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's office, indicating his rising administrative importance.

Key Points: Kaushal Raj Sharma Modi's Varanasi Hero Moves to Delhi

  • Sharma transformed Varanasi's urban landscape during Modi's tenure
  • Convinced 300 families to relocate for corridor project
  • Transferred from Lucknow to Delhi on three-year deputation
  • Credited with efficient infrastructure development
2 min read

IAS officer behind Varanasi's revival shifted to Delhi, may join CM Rekha Gupta's office

Top IAS officer behind Varanasi's transformation gets strategic transfer to Delhi, sparking speculation about key role

"His work on the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor was remarkable - Anonymous Official Source"

New Delhi, May 6

Kaushal Raj Sharma, a 2006-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer credited with Varanasi’s beautification and urban rejuvenation, has been transferred to Delhi amid speculation of getting a key post in Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s office, said an official source on Tuesday.

The officer who has been in the good books of the Prime Minister’s Office, due to his work in PM’s parliamentary constituency, is said to have been hand-picked by decision-makers to steer ambitious projects like the development of the Yamuna river front, said sources.

The 2006-batch officer, who had only recently taken charge as Secretary to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has been sent on deputation to Delhi for three years, according to a circular signed by Anshuman Mishra, Under Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training.

Sharma, who was both the District Magistrate and Commissioner in PM Modi's Varanasi constituency, is credited with executing urban infrastructure and beautification projects efficiently.

Ten days ago, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath transferred Sharma from Varanasi to Lucknow and made him his secretary.

But Sharma’s stay in Lucknow has been short, with the order on his transfer to Delhi being issued on Tuesday, said an official.

Sharma has been called to the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre on deputation.

Sharma was given the responsibility of District Magistrate and sent to Varanasi parliamentary constituency soon after the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2017.

Sharma oversaw Varanasi’s revamp from 2019 to April 22, 2025. In these six years, he made a significant contribution to beautifying PM Modi's parliamentary constituency.

His work on PM Modi's dream project - Kashi Vishwanath Corridor - had won praise as it was not an easy task to convince more than 300 families to allow demolition of their homes for the corridor’s reconstruction.

Sharma’s personal monitoring of the project had led to the timely completion of the corridor, without any controversy.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Great move! Sharma ji did phenomenal work in Varanasi. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor is a masterpiece of urban planning while respecting heritage. Delhi needs such efficient officers for Yamuna front development. Best wishes to him! 🙏
P
Priya M.
Why this musical chairs of transfers? First Varanasi to Lucknow, now Lucknow to Delhi. Such frequent changes affect project continuity. Hope the Yamuna project doesn't suffer like many other half-completed works due to officer transfers.
A
Amit S.
Sharma sir is a real gem! Saw his work first-hand in Varanasi - from ghat cleanliness to traffic management. If he can transform chaotic Kashi, Yamuna front will be cakewalk. Delhiites are lucky! 🇮🇳
N
Neha T.
While his work is commendable, I hope this isn't just about proximity to power centers. Many equally capable IAS officers in smaller districts never get recognition. The system should reward merit everywhere, not just in VIP constituencies.
V
Vikram J.
The way he handled Kashi corridor rehabilitation shows sensitivity + efficiency. 300 families relocated peacefully is no small feat! Hope he brings same people-first approach to Delhi projects. More power to honest officers!
S
Sunita R.
AGMUT cadre on deputation? Interesting. Maybe testing him for bigger responsibilities. Hope he maintains his good work away from UP's political pressures. Delhi's bureaucracy needs fresh energy!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50