PM Modi Unveils Rs 2,200 Crore Development Projects in Varanasi, Transfers Rs 20,500 Crore to 9.7 Crore Farmers Across India. 

VARANASI (UP) :

In a powerful display of governance, development, and national pride, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth approximately Rs. 2,200 crore in his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi. During the visit—his first after the successful military strike known as Operation Sindoor—the Prime Minister also transferred over Rs. 20,500 crore under the 20th installment of PM-KISAN, benefiting more than 9.7 crore farmers across the country.

Addressing a massive gathering in the spiritual and cultural heart of India, the Prime Minister spoke with deep emotional connection, patriotic fervor, and a vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). Recalling the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed, Modi affirmed that India’s promise to avenge the innocent was kept, declaring, “Whoever attacks India will not be safe even in hell.”

Development Works: Rs. 2,200 Crore for Varanasi’s Transformation

PM Modi launched a multitude of projects spanning infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, urban renewal, and rural welfare, aimed at holistic urban transformation in Varanasi. Highlights include:

• Infrastructure:
  • Inauguration and foundation laying of key roads such as the Varanasi-Bhadohi and Chhitauni-Shool Tankeshwar roads
  • Two new Railway Overbridges to decongest critical roadways
  • Smart power distribution and underground electrification worth Rs. 880 crore
• Tourism and Heritage:
  • Redevelopment of 8 riverfront ghats and Kalika Dham
  • Beautification of Durgakund and Rangildas Kutiya
  • Restoration of Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple and Munshi Premchand’s ancestral home
• Healthcare:
  • Inauguration of robotic surgery and advanced diagnostic equipment at Mahamana Cancer Centre
  • Foundation stone of a new Homoeopathic Medical College
• Education:
  • Upgradation of 53 municipal school buildings
  • Foundation laid for a new district library and modernisation of key government schools
• Environment:
  • Development of an Urban Miyawaki Forest in Kanchanpur
  • Beautification of 21 parks and purification of culturally significant water bodies
• Law & Order and Sports:
  • Inauguration of synthetic hockey turf at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Sports Stadium
  • Multipurpose Hall and QRT Barracks for police personnel

PM-KISAN: Farmers Receive Rs. 20,500 Crore Nationwide

In one of the largest direct benefit transfers to date, PM Modi released the 20th instalment of PM-KISAN, transferring more than Rs. 20,500 crore to over 9.7 crore farmers.

• Since its launch in 2019, over Rs. 3.90 lakh crore has been disbursed.
• Uttar Pradesh alone has received Rs. 90,000 crore, benefiting 2.5 crore farmers.
• Varanasi farmers have received nearly Rs. 900 crore under the scheme.

Rebuking past governments for neglecting agriculture, PM Modi said, “Earlier, governments used the name of farmers only during elections. We stand with them from seed to market.”

National Security and Operation Sindoor: A Message to the World

PM Modi addressed Operation Sindoor—India’s recent counter-terror operation in response to the Pahalgam attack—with strong words and nationalistic pride.

• Citing precision strikes using indigenous drones and BrahMos missiles, he said, “The world witnessed the strength of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
• Modi confirmed that BrahMos missile production will soon begin in Lucknow, integrating Uttar Pradesh into India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem.
• Slamming the opposition, PM Modi said, “They mourn the death of terrorists. Should India wait before responding to terror attacks?”
• The Prime Minister compared India’s dual nature to Lord Shiva’s benevolence and Rudra form, stating, “This is a new India. It worships Bholenath and becomes Kaal Bhairav when needed.”

Welfare, Swadeshi Push and Economic Vigilance

• Highlighting women empowerment, the PM mentioned the success of the “Lakhpati Didi” and “Drone Didi” campaigns.
• Over 1.5 crore women have become lakhpatis under government-backed self-help initiatives.
• On financial inclusion, he announced that 55 crore Jan Dhan accounts need fresh KYC verification, and a national campaign is underway.
• He called on citizens to embrace “Vocal for Local” and promote Swadeshi products, particularly ahead of the festive season.

“If every household starts using Indian-made goods, that will be the true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi,” he said, urging shopkeepers to sell only Swadeshi products.

India on Track to Become 3rd Largest Economy

Amid global economic uncertainties, PM Modi expressed confidence in India’s economic trajectory.

“India is set to become the third-largest economy in the world. But we must remain vigilant and prioritize our farmers, small industries, and self-reliance,” he remarked.

Cultural Unity and Spiritual Connect

PM Modi also reflected on his visits to Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu and the significance of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, bringing together the spiritual and cultural essence of India from north to south.

He mentioned his desire to visit Baba Vishwanath and Markandeya Mahadev during Sawan, but refrained out of respect for pilgrims, offering prayers from afar.

A Glimpse of the Future: Vision for Varanasi

• PM Modi outlined the roadmap for a “Divine, Developed and Grand Kashi”, connecting Banarasi silk weavers with Bhadohi artisans, launching employment fairs, and continuing cultural initiatives under Kashi Sansad Pratiyogita.
• More than 7,400 assistive aids were distributed to Divyangjan and elderly beneficiaries, and portals for youth engagement and competitions were also inaugurated.

The event witnessed the presence of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and several Governors, Chief Ministers, and dignitaries via video conferencing.

From massive investments in infrastructure and agriculture to bold declarations on national security, PM Modi’s visit to Varanasi encapsulated a comprehensive vision for a self-reliant, secure, and united India. As development projects unfold and PM-KISAN continues to empower the rural economy, the spiritual city of Varanasi stands once again as a symbol of India’s transformative journey under “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.”