What Major Projects Did PM Modi Inaugurate in Varanasi?

Varanasi, Aug 2 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for numerous development initiatives valued at around Rs 2,200 crore in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.

In a pivotal move aimed at enhancing his parliamentary constituency, PM Modi also unveiled the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.

This installment will see a direct transfer of Rs 21,000 crore to the bank accounts of over 9.7 crore farmers nationwide. He also distributed more than 7,400 assistive devices to 'divyangjan' and elderly beneficiaries.

Beginning his address with 'Om Namah Parvati Pataye Har Har Mahadev', PM Modi remarked, "Today marks my first visit to Kashi since 'Operation Sindoor'. During the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 26 innocent lives were lost. The sorrow of those children and women deeply affected me."

"I prayed to Baba Vishwanath for strength for the people to endure this pain and vowed to my daughters that I would seek justice for their 'Sindoor'. Today, I fulfilled that promise, thanks to the blessings of Mahadev, and I dedicate the success of 'Operation Sindoor' to his feet," he added.

Addressing a large audience, the Prime Minister stated, "Witnessing the divine spectacle of Shiva devotees transporting Ganga water across Kashi during the auspicious month of Sawan is truly remarkable... I wished to offer my prayers at Baba Vishwanath and Markandeya Mahadev during Sawan; however, my visit would have caused inconvenience to the people, so I pay my respects to Bholenath and Maa Ganga from here."

PM Modi also reminisced about his recent trip to Tamil Nadu, where he visited the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, a site he described as "central to the country's Shaiva traditions."

"This temple was established by King Rajendra Chola, who connected Ganga water from North India to the South. A millennium ago, through his Shaiva devotion, Rajendra Chola initiated the tradition of 'Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat'. Today, with initiatives like Kashi-Tamil Sangaman, we are advancing this vision," he asserted.

"Such moments provide tremendous motivation. Each instance of national unity invigorates the country, enabling the success of 'Operation Sindoor', which was powered by the unity of 140 crore citizens."

"Today, we celebrate farmers. The direct transfer of Rs 21,000 crore to the bank accounts of over 9.7 crore farmers is a significant achievement. Transferring this amount from Kashi is, in itself, a form of 'prasad'," the Prime Minister expressed, congratulating the farmers across the nation.

As part of initiatives to enhance connectivity, PM Modi inaugurated the widening and strengthening of major roads, including the Varanasi–Bhadohi road and the Chhitauni–Shool Tankeshwar road.

He also inaugurated a railway overbridge at Hardattpur, which is expected to reduce congestion on the heavily trafficked Mohan Sarai–Adalpura route.

Additionally, PM Modi laid the foundation for various new infrastructure projects, including road improvements in Dalmandi, Lahartara–Kotwa, Gangapur, and Babatpur.

Focusing on enhancing the city's power infrastructure, the Prime Minister launched electricity projects exceeding Rs 880 crore. These projects include the Smart Distribution Project and the undergrounding of overhead electrical wires, aimed at modernizing and securing the city's power supply.

To boost tourism and preserve the city’s rich cultural legacy, PM Modi inaugurated the redevelopment of eight riverfront Kuccha Ghats, the beautification of the pond and ghat at Rangildas Kutiya in Shivpur, and the restoration of the historic Durgakund.

Foundation stones were also laid for the restoration of Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple, the development of Karkhiyaon (the birthplace of prominent freedom fighters), and the transformation of Munshi Premchand'sLamahi into a museum.