Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth ₹3,880 crore in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh—his parliamentary constituency. The comprehensive package of projects spans infrastructure, education, energy, water, and urban renewal, underscoring a significant push toward holistic regional development.
Focus on Connectivity and Transport
To ease traffic congestion and enhance regional connectivity, the PM laid the foundation for key road infrastructure. These include a major bridge connecting the Varanasi Ring Road with Sarnath, flyovers at Bhikharipur and Manduadih crossings, and a highway underpass tunnel on NH-31 near Varanasi International Airport.
Power Infrastructure Expansion
Modi also initiated power projects aimed at strengthening the city’s electricity distribution network. These include the foundation of a 220 KV transmission substation at Chaukaghat (Varanasi), a 132 KV substation in Ghazipur, and an upgrade of the Varanasi electricity system—collectively valued at over ₹775 crore.
Boost to Education and Smart City Initiatives
As part of the Smart City Mission, the PM laid the foundation stone for the renovation of 77 primary schools and a new building for the Kasturba Gandhi School in Cholapur. He also inaugurated the Government Polytechnic College at Pindra, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Government College in Barki village, 356 rural libraries, and 100 new Anganwadi centres.
Water and Sanitation Projects
Several water-related projects were unveiled, including the redevelopment of Samne Ghat and Shastri Ghat on the Ganga River. Modi also inaugurated 130 rural drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission worth ₹345 crore and announced improvements to six municipal wards in the city, along with aesthetic enhancements through landscaping and sculpture installations.
Sports and Community Infrastructure
To encourage sporting talent, the PM announced the development of a synthetic hockey turf with floodlights and a spectator gallery at Uday Pratap College and a mini stadium in Shivpur.
Welfare and Cultural Recognition
In a historic first, Modi distributed Ayushman Vay Vandana cards to senior citizens and handed out Geographical Indication (GI) certificates for iconic Varanasi products such as tabla, painting, thandai, and tiranga barfi. Furthermore, he transferred over ₹105 crore as bonuses to milk suppliers in Uttar Pradesh associated with Banas Dairy.
The event marks another milestone in the ongoing transformation of Varanasi under Modi’s leadership, aligning with the broader vision of modernization while preserving cultural heritage.
