Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted Varanasi’s significant progress in healthcare, infrastructure, and connectivity. He also reiterated India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics, encouraging the youth of Kashi to start training early to shine on the global stage.
“In the coming months, when all the development work is completed and commuting to and from Varanasi becomes easier, there will be greater progress in work and business… CT ropeway trials have also begun in Varanasi. We are constantly working to provide growth opportunities to the youth of Kashi in the field of sports. We are trying our best to host the 2036 Olympics. But to shine at the Olympics, the youth of Kashi must begin their training today,” PM Modi said after laying the foundation stone and inaugurating multiple development projects in Varanasi.
The Prime Minister highlighted the improved health infrastructure in his constituency, saying that real development is reflected when facilities reach the people.
“We are aware of the treatment-related problems that existed across Purvanchal 10–11 years ago. Today, the situation has changed — my Kashi is becoming a health capital. Major hospitals, previously accessible only in Delhi and Mumbai, are now near your homes. This is development — when facilities come to the people. When you blessed us with your trust for the third time, we fulfilled our duty with love”, PM Modi said.
“I had guaranteed free treatment for the elderly, and the result is the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana. This scheme is not just about healthcare but also about respecting our elderly,” he added.
The PM underscored that India is progressing by upholding both development and cultural heritage, and that Kashi stands as a model of this balanced growth.
“Kashi today is a perfect model of development and heritage. There’s the flow of the Ganga, and alongside it, the flow of India’s consciousness,” PM Modi said.
Vowing to make Purvanchal a hub of development, the Prime Minister said that Kashi is now at the “centre of Purvanchal’s economic map.”
“Multiple infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity, delivering piped water to every home, enhancing education, healthcare, and sports facilities will ease life across the region. These projects will prove to be milestones in our vision for a Viksit Purvanchal (Developed Purvanchal),” he said.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth over ₹3,880 crore in Varanasi.
