PM Modi Launches Rs 3,880 Crore Development Projects in Varanasi, Hails Kashi as Model of Progress and Heritage. 

Varanasi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 3,880 crore in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh today. Addressing a large gathering, he highlighted the unprecedented growth of the city over the last decade and reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Varanasi into a beacon of development, heritage, and modern infrastructure.

Speaking on the eve of Hanuman Janmotsav, Modi expressed his heartfelt connection to Kashi, saying, “Kashi is mine and I belong to Kashi.” He described the city’s evolution as a blend of the ancient and the modern, positioning it as a rising center of Purvanchal’s economy. “In the last 10 years, the development of Varanasi has gained a new momentum,” he said, emphasizing that the city is no longer only historic but also progressive.

He recalled the contributions of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule on their birth anniversaries, praising their lifelong dedication to women’s empowerment and societal welfare. Modi reaffirmed his government’s mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” and commended the progress of women, especially those involved in livestock and dairy enterprises.

Banas Dairy Transforming Lives in Kashi

Highlighting the transformative role of Banas Dairy in the region, Modi announced the distribution of over Rs 105 crore in bonuses to milk suppliers in Uttar Pradesh, calling it a reward for their dedication. He noted that many women associated with the dairy have become “Lakhpati Didis,” a term used to describe women who have achieved financial independence through entrepreneurship. He said India is now the world’s largest milk producer, with a 65% rise in production over the past decade.

He also outlined a series of initiatives under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission aimed at improving indigenous cattle breeds and supporting livestock owners through credit schemes, vaccination drives, and cooperative networks.

Kashi Emerging as Health Capital of India

Modi hailed Varanasi’s transformation into a health hub, pointing out that advanced healthcare services, once limited to metros, are now accessible locally. He highlighted the distribution of Ayushman Vay Vandana cards to nearly 50,000 senior citizens in Varanasi, guaranteeing free treatment to those aged 70 and above regardless of income. “This card represents our commitment to elderly care, removing the need for families to sell land or borrow money for treatment,” he said.

Massive Boost to Connectivity and Infrastructure

Emphasizing the importance of connectivity, Modi detailed investments of over Rs 45,000 crore in road, rail, and airport infrastructure over the last 10 years. Projects include the expansion of Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, a six-lane tunnel to ease airport access, and new flyovers in Bhikharipur and Manduadih. He also announced a new bridge between Varanasi and Sarnath and highlighted the launch of ropeway trials, which will place Varanasi among a handful of cities globally with such a facility.

The Phulwariya flyover, Ring Road, and improved highways have drastically cut travel time, benefitting nearby districts such as Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Ballia, and Mau.

Development of Education and Sports Infrastructure

Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple education initiatives, including new colleges, rural libraries, and Anganwadi centers. He announced the construction of a new building for Kasturba Gandhi School and the renovation of 77 primary schools under the Smart City Mission.

In the field of sports, he laid the foundation for a synthetic hockey turf at Uday Pratap College and a mini stadium at Shivpur, along with a new sports complex offering training to hundreds of local athletes.

Preserving Heritage While Promoting Growth

The Prime Minister emphasized that Varanasi is a model of how India can balance progress and tradition. “India today is carrying forward both development and heritage together. Our Kashi is becoming the best model for this,” he said.

He praised initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam for strengthening national unity and announced the upcoming MSME Unity Mall in Varanasi, which will showcase products from across India.

UP Emerges as Hub of Skill, Craft, and Recognition

Highlighting the growing reputation of Uttar Pradesh in traditional arts and crafts, Modi celebrated the state’s leading position in obtaining Geographical Indication (GI) tags. Over 30 products from Varanasi and nearby districts have received GI recognition, including the city’s tabla, shehnai, red peda, and tiranga barfi.

“These GI tags are not just labels. They are identity certificates of the soil,” Modi said, adding that products from Uttar Pradesh are now gaining international acclaim.

Background of the Inaugurated Projects

The development projects launched today include:

• Infrastructure: Road bridge between Varanasi Ring Road and Sarnath, flyovers at Bhikharipur and Manduadih, and an NH-31 underpass near the airport worth over Rs 980 crore.
• Power: Two 400 KV and one 220 KV substations, and other electricity infrastructure worth Rs 1,045 crore, along with new substations and upgrades worth Rs 775 crore.
• Security and Admin: Transit hostel and barracks, new police station buildings and a residential hostel.
• Education: Polytechnic and government colleges, 356 rural libraries, 100 Anganwadis, renovation of schools and construction of Kasturba Gandhi School building.
• Health and Water: 130 rural drinking water schemes worth Rs 345 crore, improved municipal wards, and Ayushman Vay Vandana card distribution.
• Recreation and Tourism: Redevelopment of Samne Ghat and Shastri Ghat, beautification of parks, sculpture installations.
• MSME and Solar Power: Unity Mall for artisans, 1 MW solar plant at WTP Bhelupur, and development of community halls in 40 Gram Panchayats.

Concluding his address, Modi said, “Preserving Kashi is about preserving the soul of India. We are committed to keeping it beautiful while connecting its spirit with a modern identity.”

The event was attended by Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and other dignitaries.