PM Modi Inaugurates ₹3,884-Crore Development Projects in Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 50th visit to Varanasi since assuming office by inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for 44 development projects worth ₹3,884 crore on April 11, 2025. The event, held in Mehdiganj, was attended by a large public gathering where the Prime Minister highlighted his vision for a modern and revitalized Varanasi.

The initiatives span infrastructure, education, public utilities, and sports development. Among the major projects, the redevelopment of Samne Ghat and Shastri Ghat on the banks of the Ganga stands out as a key step in enhancing urban aesthetics and tourism infrastructure. A total of 130 rural drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission, valued at over ₹345 crore, were also launched to improve access to clean drinking water across villages.

Furthering educational infrastructure, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for the renovation of 77 primary school buildings under the Smart City Mission and a new building for Kasturba Gandhi School in Cholapur. In the sports sector, he initiated the construction of a synthetic hockey turf with floodlights and a gallery at Uday Pratap College, alongside a mini stadium at Shivpur.

Addressing the public, Modi spoke about Varanasi’s transformation over the last decade, emphasizing its dual identity as a city of timeless tradition and modern development. He noted that the latest round of projects would serve as a catalyst for the comprehensive development of Purvanchal, reinforcing its potential as an economic and cultural hub.

In addition to infrastructure initiatives, Modi distributed Ayushman Vaya Vandana cards to senior citizens above 70 years of age and handed over Geographical Indication (GI) certificates to local artisans. He also digitally transferred over ₹105 crore in bonus payments to milk suppliers associated with Banas Dairy.

The visit was conducted under tight security with widespread deployment of police and paramilitary forces, rooftop surveillance, and aerial monitoring to ensure the safety of participants.

This landmark visit not only reinforced the Prime Minister’s long-standing focus on Varanasi but also underscored the government’s broader commitment to sustainable urban-rural development, inclusive growth, and cultural preservation.