Today marked a momentous occasion in the vibrant city of Varanasi as the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a series of transformative development projects worth Rs 13,000 crores. These projects span critical sectors such as roadways, railways, aviation, tourism, education, health, water supply, urban development, and sanitation.
In a significant stride towards enhancing road connectivity, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several key road projects. These include the four-laning of the Ghargra-Bridge-Varanasi section of NH-233, Sultanpur-Varanasi section of NH-56 (Package-1), and phase-1 of Varanasi-Aurangabad section of NH-19. Additionally, projects such as the four-laning of Package-1 Varanasi-Hanumana section on NH-35 and the construction of a Railway Over Bridge (ROB) on the Varanasi-Jaunpur rail section near Babatpur were initiated. The foundation stone for the Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway Package-1 was also laid, promising improved connectivity and infrastructure.
Fostering industrial growth in the region, the Prime Minister inaugurated the LPG Bottling Plant by HPCL in Sewapuri and the Banas Kashi Sankul milk processing unit in UPSIDA Agro Park Karkhiyaon. Various infrastructure developments at UPSIDA Agro Park, Karkhiyaon, and a silk fabric printing common facility center for weavers were also unveiled, signaling a boost to local industries.
In the realm of urban development, multiple projects were inaugurated including the Urban waste to Charcoal Plant by NTPC at Ramana, upgradation of water supply network in Sis-Varuna area, and the online effluent monitoring and SCADA automation of STPs and Sewerage Pumping Stations. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for projects focused on beautifying Varanasi, such as the rejuvenation of ponds, redevelopment of parks, and the creation of a 3D Urban Digital map and database.
Varanasi’s status as a hub for tourism and spiritual pilgrimage was further enhanced with the inauguration of projects like the redevelopment of public facilities at five Padavs of Panchkoshi Parikrama Marg and Pavan Path with ten spiritual yatra. The introduction of an electric catamaran vessel by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) for Varanasi & Ayodhya promises a green tourism experience along the Ganges. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for thirteen community jetties of IWAI at various cities and a quick pontoon opening mechanism at Ballia.
Recognizing the significance of Varanasi’s textile sector, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Varanasi. This institute will play a pivotal role in bolstering education and training within the textile industry, furthering its growth and competitiveness.
In a commitment to bolstering healthcare infrastructure, the Prime Minister initiated the foundation stone for a new Medical College in Varanasi and the National Centre of Ageing at BHU. Sporting infrastructure also received a boost with the inauguration of Sigra Sports Stadium Phase-1 and District Rifle Shooting Range, aiming to nurture a culture of sports and fitness
