Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited his parliamentary constituency Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on a high-profile tour marked by the inauguration and foundation stone laying of multiple development projects worth over Rs 3,880 crore. The visit, deeply symbolic and politically significant, reaffirmed the Centre’s continued focus on transforming India’s spiritual and cultural capital into a model of urban and rural development.
Describing his connection to Varanasi as a “matter of great fortune,” PM Modi expressed his emotional attachment to the city and reiterated his commitment to its transformation. The projects launched on this visit span infrastructure, health, education, rural development, and religious tourism.
Strengthening the Spiritual Heart of India
PM Modi began his tour with a visit to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Dham, where he offered prayers and interacted with local seers and devotees. The temple complex, which has undergone a massive facelift in recent years under the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, continues to be at the center of Modi’s vision of preserving India’s spiritual legacy while ensuring modern amenities for pilgrims.
Calling Varanasi the “city of spirituality and knowledge,” Modi emphasized the importance of maintaining the balance between cultural heritage and development. He also stressed the role of Varanasi as a cultural symbol of India’s civilizational values.
Mega Projects for a Modern Kashi
During his address at a large public gathering, PM Modi launched and laid the foundation stone for more than 200 projects worth Rs 3,880 crore. These include urban infrastructure upgrades, road and highway improvements, tourism development, and clean energy initiatives.
Some of the key highlights include:
- New Medical and Health Facilities: New hospitals and health centers were either inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid to enhance access to affordable healthcare in the region.
- Educational Infrastructure: Several new schools and higher education institutes were part of the development package, reflecting the government’s focus on skill-building and education.
- Water and Sanitation Projects: Multiple schemes to improve water supply, sewage systems, and waste management were flagged off to support sustainable urban living.
- Rural Road and Connectivity Projects: Enhanced rural connectivity with new roads, bridges, and public transport facilities promises better access and economic opportunities for nearby villages.
- Electric Mobility and Green Energy: As part of the push for a greener Varanasi, projects related to electric buses and solar energy were also included.
Empowering the Local Economy
PM Modi highlighted how the projects will not only improve the quality of life but also create employment opportunities for the local population. He praised local artisans, weavers, and entrepreneurs, noting that the transformation of Varanasi also involves empowering its people and preserving its traditional crafts.
“The vision is not just to beautify the city, but to ensure the youth of Kashi get modern education, the elderly receive better healthcare, and our weavers and traders find new markets for their products,” he said.
He also visited Rudraksh International Convention Centre, an Indo-Japan collaboration, where he emphasized Varanasi’s growing role as a hub for international events, culture, and diplomacy.
Political and Emotional Undertones
Modi’s Varanasi visit comes at a strategic time as India prepares for the next general elections. The visit served both as a development review tour and as a reaffirmation of his emotional bond with the city that elected him to the Lok Sabha in 2014 and again in 2019.
Addressing the crowd, Modi said, “Serving Kashi is not just a responsibility but a matter of immense spiritual satisfaction. It is a city that gives, teaches, and inspires.”
A Vision for the Future
The mega development push underlines the government’s vision of making Varanasi not only a cultural beacon but also a model of smart and sustainable urban development. With increased investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the preservation of heritage, Varanasi is fast evolving into a city where tradition and technology go hand in hand.
As PM Modi concluded his visit, he left behind not just a slew of development announcements but also a powerful message — that the transformation of India begins with the transformation of its oldest living city.
