In his landmark 50th visit to Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated a wide array of development projects totaling over ₹3,880 crore. This historic visit, held on the eve of Hanuman Janmotsav, reflected the government's continuous commitment to transforming Kashi—Varanasi’s ancient heart—into a symbol of modern progress, heritage preservation, and regional empowerment.
Celebrating Kashi: A Personal and Cultural Connection
Addressing a large public gathering, Prime Minister Modi reiterated his deep emotional bond with Kashi, stating that the city is not just a constituency but his spiritual home. He expressed gratitude for the blessings and unwavering support he has received from its people.
“Kashi is mine, and I belong to Kashi,” he declared, recognizing the spiritual significance of the occasion ahead of Hanuman Janmotsav and highlighting that the people of Kashi were celebrating a "festival of development."
Purvanchal’s Development Drive: Projects That Transform
The Prime Minister spotlighted the inauguration and foundation-laying of several infrastructure, health, education, sports, and rural development initiatives in Kashi and Purvanchal. These efforts, he noted, are designed to:
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Strengthen road and rail connectivity
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Expand healthcare and education access
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Improve water supply and electricity infrastructure
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Empower youth and women
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Enhance cultural and economic vitality
“Kashi has embraced modernity while preserving its heritage,” said the PM, emphasizing the region’s evolving identity as both ancient and futuristic.
Infrastructure Boost: Roads, Airports, and Connectivity Projects
A substantial portion of the ₹3,880 crore investment is earmarked for enhancing physical infrastructure in and around Varanasi.
Key Infrastructure Highlights:
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Ring Road to Sarnath Bridge: A new bridge to ease travel towards Sarnath without entering the city.
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Flyovers and Tunnels: Foundation stones laid for flyovers at Bhikharipur and Manduadih crossings and a six-lane underpass tunnel near Varanasi International Airport.
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Connectivity to Surrounding Districts: Projects linking Bhadohi, Ghazipur, and Jaunpur with Varanasi.
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Ring Road Benefits: Significant reduction in travel time for people from Ballia, Mau, Ghazipur, and Jaunpur.
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City Ropeway: Trial of a new urban ropeway system launched, making Kashi one of the few cities worldwide to offer such a facility.
Over the past 10 years, ₹45,000 crore has been invested in infrastructure in the region.
Electricity Infrastructure: Powering the Future
To ensure 24x7 power supply and accommodate the growing demands of a modern city:
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Inauguration of Substations: Two 400 kV and one 220 kV substations in Jaunpur, Chandauli, and Ghazipur.
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New Power Projects: A 220 kV substation at Chaukaghat and a 132 kV substation in Ghazipur.
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City-Wide Upgrade: Augmentation of power distribution systems in Varanasi worth over ₹775 crore.
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15 New Substations and 1,500 km of New Power Lines planned.
Empowering Women and Farmers Through Dairy Revolution
The Prime Minister lauded the transformative role of Banas Dairy in empowering livestock-rearing families:
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₹106 Crore Bonus: Distributed to dairy farmers as recognition of their dedication.
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Gir Cows Distributed: With ongoing feed arrangements, aiding sustainable dairy practices.
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Milk Collection: Nearly 1 lakh farmers in Purvanchal supply milk to Banas Dairy.
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Lakhpati Didis: Many women have transitioned from subsistence to prosperity.
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India’s Dairy Boom: A 65% increase in milk production over the last decade has made India the world’s largest milk producer.
Dairy Development Measures:
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Livestock linked to Kisan Credit Cards
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Loans and subsidies for farmers
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Free vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease
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Revival of 20,000+ cooperative societies
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Genetic improvement under Rashtriya Gokul Mission
Healthcare Revolution in Varanasi: From Helplessness to Health Capital
The PM emphasized Kashi’s emergence as a “health capital,” citing the stark contrast from a decade ago when people had to travel to Delhi or Mumbai for treatment.
Key Healthcare Initiatives:
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Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Providing free medical treatment, boosting confidence among the poor.
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Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards: Issued to nearly 50,000 senior citizens in Varanasi, ensuring free treatment for those above 70, irrespective of income.
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New Hospitals: Modern facilities now accessible locally, reducing the burden on families.
Education and Youth Development: Investing in the Future
The government is ensuring access to quality education and sports infrastructure for the youth of Purvanchal.
Key Educational Initiatives:
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Government Polytechnic College at Pindra
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Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Government College at Barki
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356 Rural Libraries and 100 Anganwadi Centres
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Renovation of 77 Primary Schools under the Smart City Mission
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Kasturba Gandhi School building construction at Cholapur
Sports Infrastructure:
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Synthetic Hockey Turf with floodlights and gallery at Uday Pratap College
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Mini Stadium at Shivpur
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New Sports Complex providing training to hundreds of young athletes
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MP Sports Competition Grounds offering platforms for local talent
Cultural and Heritage Revival: Kashi as a National Model
PM Modi praised Varanasi for maintaining a perfect blend of development and heritage:
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Shastri and Samne Ghat Redevelopment: Upgraded riverfront areas on the Ganga.
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Beautification Projects: Landscaping and sculpture installations by the Railways and VDA.
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Kashi-Tamil Sangamam: Cultural exchange initiative promoting national unity.
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Upcoming Ekta Mall: A hub to showcase India’s diverse handicrafts under one roof.
Geographical Indication (GI) Tag Recognition: Showcasing Local Identity
The PM presented GI certificates to promote regional art, cuisine, and craft as global brands.
GI-Tagged Products:
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From Varanasi: Tabla, Shehnai, Wall Paintings, Thandai, Stuffed Red Chili, Red Peda, Tiranga Barfi
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From Other Districts:
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Jaunpur’s Imarti
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Mathura’s Sanjhi Art
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Bundelkhand’s Kathiya Wheat
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Pilibhit’s Flute
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Prayagraj’s Moonj Art
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Bareilly’s Zardozi
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Chitrakoot’s Woodcraft
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Lakhimpur Kheri’s Tharu Zardozi
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“These GI tags are passports of identity,” said Modi, noting how the “fragrance of Uttar Pradesh’s soil is crossing borders.”
Safety and Governance: PM’s Directive on Law and Order
Following a gang-rape case involving a 19-year-old woman in Varanasi, PM Modi met with top officials including the Police Commissioner and District Magistrate. He ordered:
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Swift and Strict Action against the accused
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Preventive Measures to avoid such incidents in the future
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Accountability of Law Enforcement in maintaining public safety
Nine arrests had been made at the time of the briefing.
Urban Development Projects: A 360-Degree City Upgrade
Additional Urban Projects Inaugurated or Laid:
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Transit Hostel at Police Lines and PAC barracks at Ramnagar
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Administrative buildings for police stations
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Rural drinking water schemes worth ₹345 crore
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Beautification of parks and community halls in 40 Gram Panchayats
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1 MW solar power plant at Bhelupur
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Infrastructure development at Transport Nagar (Mohansarai)
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MSME Unity Mall for artisans and small businesses
A Vision for Varanasi and Beyond
Prime Minister Modi concluded by stating that preserving and advancing Kashi’s legacy is a mission to protect India’s soul. He emphasized the collective responsibility to:
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Empower Kashi’s residents
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Promote sustainable, inclusive development
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Bridge India’s ancient heritage with a modern identity
With this milestone visit, Varanasi continues to rise as a beacon of integrated development, spiritual richness, and regional empowerment for Purvanchal and India at large.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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