Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation for a slew of development projects worth over Rs 3,880 crore in Varanasi, spanning infrastructure, education, energy, public services, and cultural preservation.
Continuing his focus on modernizing infrastructure and improving connectivity, the Prime Minister launched key road projects, including a bridge linking the Varanasi Ring Road to Sarnath, flyovers at Bhikharipur and Manduadih crossings, and an underpass tunnel on NH-31 near Varanasi International Airport. These projects are collectively valued at over Rs 980 crore.
In the energy sector, PM Modi inaugurated two 400 KV and one 220 KV substations along with transmission lines in Jaunpur, Chandauli, and Ghazipur worth over Rs 1,045 crore. He also laid the foundation for a 220 KV substation in Chaukaghat and a 132 KV substation in Ghazipur, alongside plans to expand Varanasi’s power distribution network, valued at Rs 775 crore.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated a transit hostel at the police line and new barracks at the PAC campus in Ramnagar. Foundation stones were laid for new administrative and residential facilities at various police stations, enhancing the city’s law enforcement infrastructure.
In the field of education, he inaugurated a Government Polytechnic College at Pindra, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Government College in Barki, 356 rural libraries, and 100 Anganwadi centres. He also laid the foundation for the renovation of 77 primary schools under the Smart City Mission and announced a new building for the Kasturba Gandhi School at Cholapur.
To boost sports facilities, PM Modi laid the foundation for a synthetic hockey turf with floodlights and a spectator gallery at Uday Pratap College, as well as a mini stadium in Shivpur.
Significant investments were also announced in public amenities and beautification. These include the redevelopment of Samne Ghat and Shastri Ghat along the Ganga River, improvements in six municipal wards, and 130 rural drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission, valued at over Rs 345 crore. Plans for urban landscaping and sculpture installations were also unveiled.
In support of local artisans and small businesses, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for the MSME Unity Mall, aimed at promoting traditional crafts. Infrastructure work was also launched under the Transport Nagar Scheme in Mohansarai, and a 1 MW solar power plant was inaugurated at the Water Treatment Plant in Bhelupur. He also announced the construction of community halls in 40 gram panchayats and beautification of public parks.
In a key gesture toward senior citizens, PM Modi distributed Ayushman Vay Vandana health cards. Recognizing local heritage, he presented Geographical Indication (GI) certificates for products such as tabla, traditional paintings, thandai, and tiranga barfi.
Further supporting the rural economy, the Prime Minister transferred over Rs 105 crore in bonuses to milk suppliers associated with Banas Dairy, reaffirming his commitment to the dairy and agricultural sectors.
