Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to his parliamentary constituency Varanasi on August 4, 2025, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹2,200 crore. This significant investment reflects the government’s sustained focus on transforming Varanasi into a modern urban center while preserving its ancient cultural heritage. The initiatives span infrastructure, education, health, tourism, urban renewal, and river conservation—representing a comprehensive push to enhance quality of life and regional connectivity.
Among the major highlights was the inauguration of multiple infrastructure projects aimed at improving urban mobility and public convenience. PM Modi inaugurated the new four-lane widened road between Lahartara and Chandpur, which is expected to ease traffic congestion and reduce travel time across the city. The project, valued at ₹315 crore, is part of the broader effort to upgrade road infrastructure in the region. Additionally, a new railway overbridge at Mahmoorganj, constructed at a cost of ₹75 crore, was opened to the public, offering seamless passage over congested rail lines that previously delayed commuter traffic.
A key focus of the Prime Minister’s speech was on educational empowerment and youth development. He laid the foundation stone for the International Cricket Stadium in Ganjari, an ambitious project set to be built over 30 acres with an investment of over ₹450 crore. The stadium, with a capacity of 30,000 spectators, is expected to not only host national and international matches but also nurture young sporting talent in Purvanchal. Complementing this vision, PM Modi also inaugurated new academic blocks and student hostels at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), aimed at expanding access to quality higher education in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
In the health sector, Modi launched multiple projects, including the development of new facilities at the regional cancer institute in BHU and a maternal health wing at Pandit Deendayal Hospital. Together, these projects are expected to significantly improve access to specialized and critical care in the city and surrounding rural areas. This push toward improved healthcare infrastructure is particularly crucial in the context of the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Varanasi’s religious and spiritual significance continues to be a central theme of its development. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation for several tourism-related initiatives under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes. This includes development of ghats, improved facilities at the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, and beautification works at several temples and religious paths to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims and tourists. These efforts are intended to preserve the city’s cultural legacy while making it more accessible and welcoming to visitors.
Another key component of Modi’s address was river conservation. He inaugurated projects under the Namami Gange Mission, including a modern sewage treatment plant in Ramnagar and solid waste management systems designed to reduce the pollution load in the Ganga river. These environmental projects align with the broader national effort to rejuvenate the sacred river while enhancing ecological sustainability in the region.
Throughout his visit, the Prime Minister emphasized how these projects are part of a holistic vision to make Varanasi a blend of tradition and modernity. He stated that since 2014, over ₹50,000 crore has been invested in the city’s development across sectors. He credited the citizens of Varanasi for their cooperation and praised the transformation of Kashi into a model for urban and spiritual renewal.
In conclusion, the ₹2,200 crore worth of projects inaugurated and launched by PM Modi mark another significant chapter in Varanasi’s evolution. These efforts not only aim to create robust civic infrastructure and economic opportunities but also honor the cultural and spiritual identity of one of the world’s oldest living cities. By focusing on inclusive growth, sustainability, and heritage preservation, the initiatives continue to set a precedent for balanced development in other parts of India.
