PM Modi Inaugurates Development Projects Worth ₹3,880 Crore In Varanasi, Lauds Kashi’s Transformation
“This is the same Kashi once known for its narrow streets. Today, it stands as a symbol of modern development rooted in ancient heritage,” said the CM Yogi Adityanath
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to his parliamentary constituency Varanasi, laid the foundation stone and inaugurated a slew of development projects totaling over ₹3,880 crore. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed the Prime Minister and highlighted Kashi’s dramatic transformation over the past 11 years.
The Prime Minister was honored with an Angavastra depicting Radha-Krishna’s divine leelas and a handcrafted Kamal Chatra made from Varanasi’s GI-tagged woodcraft — a tribute to the city’s artisanal heritage.
Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi expressed heartfelt gratitude and credited PM Modi’s visionary leadership for Kashi’s journey from a city of congested lanes and chronic traffic jams to a vibrant center of education, healthcare, tourism, and connectivity.
“This is the same Kashi once known for its narrow streets. Today, it stands as a symbol of modern development rooted in ancient heritage,” said the CM.
Unprecedented Investment and Global Recognition
Over the last 11 years, Varanasi has witnessed development projects worth ₹50,000 crore, spanning key sectors like infrastructure, health, and education. The Prime Minister’s push for local crafts and artisanship has led to a surge in GI-tagged products from the region. Notably, 21 new GI tags were awarded during the event, marking a major step in promoting indigenous talent on global platforms.
Mahakumbh Success and Spiritual Revival
This visit marked PM Modi’s first to Kashi following the grand and successful hosting of the Mahakumbh, which drew over 3 crore pilgrims from India and abroad. The CM credited the Namami Gange initiative and the focus on cleanliness and cultural preservation for the spiritual impact felt by visitors.
Healthcare Milestones and Farmer Empowerment
Highlighting flagship welfare programs, CM Yogi stated that Ayushman Bharat has provided healthcare coverage to over 50 crore people, including 10 crore in Uttar Pradesh. Over 50,000 elderly residents in Kashi have also received Vaya Vandana health cards, granting them ₹5 lakh in health coverage.
In the agricultural sector, the Banas Dairy initiative was spotlighted as a game-changer. The Prime Minister distributed bonus payments to dairy farmers, emphasizing economic empowerment through value addition and cooperative profit-sharing.
“In every sphere — tourism, education, healthcare, or the upliftment of farmers — these initiatives have reshaped the destiny of Kashi,” CM Yogi remarked.
A New Era for Kashi
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandi Ben Patel, Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brijesh Pathak, Gujarat Assembly Speaker Shankar Bhai Chaudhary, and BJP State President Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh.
With development, spirituality, and tradition walking hand in hand, Varanasi stands as a beacon of what a culturally rooted yet forward-looking India can achieve.
