Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 3,880 crore in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He expressed his deep connection to Kashi and gratitude towards its people for their unwavering support, emphasizing that he belongs to Kashi. Coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Janmotsav, Modi highlighted the celebration of development alongside the festival. Over the past decade, he noted, Varanasi has witnessed newfound momentum in development while preserving its heritage. Kashi is transforming into a progressive hub, central to Purvanchal’s economic landscape, guided by Lord Mahadev.
PM Modi outlined several key initiatives, including the enhancement of connectivity through infrastructure, providing tap water to every household, and improving education, healthcare, and sports facilities. He emphasized the commitment to better amenities for each region, family, and youth, asserting that these projects will markedly advance Purvanchal’s development. Modi reiterated that these efforts will greatly benefit every Kashi resident and expressed congratulations to the people of Varanasi and Purvanchal for their participation in this transformative journey. Overall, this development gathering represents a significant step in merging modernity with tradition in Kashi, showcasing the region as a model of simultaneous economic growth and cultural preservation.
The Prime Minister celebrated Mahatma Jyotiba Phule’s birth anniversary, honoring his and Savitribai Phule’s commitment to societal welfare and women’s empowerment. He stressed the government’s focus on “Sabka saath, Sabka Vikas,” while congratulating livestock-rearing families in Purvanchal, especially hardworking women who have set exemplary benchmarks. A significant distribution of bonuses over ₹100 crore to families linked with the Uttar Pradesh’s Banas Dairy Plant was noted, which symbolizes a reward for their dedication rather than a mere gift. The transformative role of Banas Dairy in Kashi was emphasized as it has improved the livelihoods of thousands, allowing women to achieve financial independence as “Lakhpati Didis.” Celebrating India’s position as the world’s largest milk producer, the Prime Minister acknowledged a nearly 65% increase in production over the last decade due to diligent farmers and livestock owners. He pointed out various initiatives aimed at enhancing the dairy sector, including enhanced Kisan Credit Card facilities, increased loan limits, and subsidy programs. Additionally, he mentioned free vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease to safeguard livestock and the revival of over 20,000 cooperative societies for better milk collection. The focus on indigenous cattle breeds and scientific breeding through the Rashtriya Gokul Mission was also highlighted, along with Banas Dairy’s efforts in empowering farmers and improving their livelihoods in Purvanchal.
The Prime Minister expressed pride in distributing Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards to senior citizens, emphasizing their visible satisfaction as a sign of the scheme’s success. He reflected on past healthcare struggles in Purvanchal and praised the region’s evolution into a health capital, noting the availability of advanced medical facilities closer to homes. Highlighting the progress in healthcare, he described the Ayushman Bharat scheme as a significant advantage for the impoverished, enhancing patient dignity and instilling confidence. He reported that thousands in Varanasi and millions across Uttar Pradesh have reaped the benefits, with the scheme saving families crores in medical expenses. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to free treatments for seniors aged 70 and above through the Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme, with Varanasi distributing nearly 50,000 cards, demonstrating a pledge to support families without forcing them into financial distress for healthcare. He underscored the transformative development of Kashi’s infrastructure, noting the influx of visitors drawn to the city. He recounted past traffic challenges and celebrated the construction of the Phulwariya flyover, which eased commuting, and the Ring Road that significantly benefited residents traveling to the airport, eliminating lengthy traffic delays. Overall, his message was one of progress, care, and community commitment toward improved healthcare and infrastructure.
PM Modi emphasized the improved connectivity in the region, which has facilitated faster and more convenient travel to cities such as Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Mirzapur, and Azamgarh, thanks to widened roads. He remarked that areas previously troubled by traffic congestion are now experiencing rapid development. Over the last decade, an investment of about ₹45,000 crore has been made to enhance connectivity in Varanasi and its adjacent regions, a step he stated has not only upgraded infrastructure but also fostered trust, ultimately benefiting Kashi and surrounding districts. The Prime Minister announced plans for further infrastructure development, including the initiation of projects worth thousands of crores. Among these, he highlighted the ongoing expansion of Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport and the construction of a six-lane underground tunnel near the airport aimed at improving travel connectivity. Additionally, he mentioned the launch of projects that will connect Bhadohi, Ghazipur, and Jaunpur, marking a significant stride in regional development. This focus on connectivity is indicative of a broader vision to transform the region and enhances accessibility, furthering the aspirations of local residents.
