Varanasi: During his visit to Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Shankara Eye Hospital, which is expected to greatly benefit the elderly and children in the region. At the event held at the Sports Complex in Sigra, PM Modi dedicated development projects worth Rs 6,700 crore to the nation, including the foundation stone and inauguration of 23 projects, with 16 of these specifically aimed at improving Varanasi.
PM Modi said, “Today is a very auspicious day for Kashi. I have just come among you all after inaugurating a big eye hospital. The elderly and children are going to get a lot of help from RJ Shankar Eye Hospital.”
What PM Modi said
PM Modi emphasised the significance of infrastructure development over the past decade. He said, “The first goal is to increase the facilities of the citizens through investment. The second goal is to provide jobs to the youth through investment.”
He highlighted the ongoing improvements in transportation, saying, “Today, modern highways are being built across the country. Railway tracks are being laid on new routes. New airports are being built. This is not just work of bricks, stones, and iron rods, but it is also increasing the convenience of the people. The youth of the country are also getting jobs.”
PM Modi remarked on the growing number of visitors coming to Varanasi. He said, “Today the number of people coming to Banaras has increased rapidly. Some are coming for tourism, some are coming for business, and you are benefiting from this.” He also mentioned the plans for expanding Babatpur Airport, saying, “When Babatpur Airport will be expanded further, you will get more benefits.”
Furthermore, he spoke about Varanasi’s identity, linking it to significant projects. “Today, Kashi is identified by the grand and divine abode of Baba Vishwanath. Today, Kashi is identified with the Rudraksh Convention Centre. Today, Kashi is identified by the ring road and infrastructure projects. Today, a facility like a ropeway is being built in Kashi,” he said.
PM Modi also announced the government’s commitment to housing. The PM said, “Our government is now going to build 3 crore more new houses. Even in Banaras, the women who have not received houses under PM Awas Yojana will be given these houses as soon as possible.”
Projects inaugurated by PM Modi in Varanasi
The Prime Minister inaugurated or announced developmental projects worth Rs 6,700 crore, with 16 of those projects valued at over Rs 3,200 crore specifically for Varanasi.
He also laid the foundation stone for the extension of the runway, construction of a new terminal building, and associated works at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi at a cost of approximately Rs 2,870 crore.
