‘Kashi Belongs To Me, I Belong To Kashi’: PM Modi Highlights Major Infrastructure Boost In Varanasi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 44 development projects in Varanasi, worth ₹3,880 crore. Emphasizing infrastructure and connectivity, PM Modi said that the city has undergone a transformation that is now being widely recognized by locals and visitors alike. He began his speech with a greeting in Bhojpuri and emotionally connected with the audience by saying, "Kashi belongs to me, I belong to Kashi."
Praise for the New Face of Kashi
While addressing a public gathering in Varanasi, PM Modi highlighted the efforts made over the past decade to ease traffic congestion and enhance the region’s connectivity. “Imagine if the condition of the roads, airports, and railways were like they were 10 years ago, the situation would have been much worse. Even during small festivals, the city used to face severe traffic jams,” he said.
He cited specific examples, such as the completion of the Phulwaria flyover, which has significantly reduced travel time and improved comfort. “Earlier even during the small festivals there was traffic jam, like if some one has to come from Chunar and want to go to Shivpuri, earlier he has to take a whole round of Banaras, while stucking in the traffic jam in the heat and dust. But now, as the Phulwaria flyover has been completed, even the distance has been reduced, saves time, and it is also comfortable,” he added.
PM Modi also spoke about the benefits of the ring road and the widening of roads leading to nearby cities. “Similarly, people from Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Ballia, and Mau had to go through the city to reach the airport. People used to be stuck for hours in traffic, but now, thanks to the ring road, people can cross from one side to the other in just a few minutes. If you have to go to Ghazipur, it will take several hours, but now the roads leading to Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Mirzapur, and Azamgarh have been widened, and the pace of development has increased.”
Major Investments Driving Development
He noted that around ₹45,000 crore has been spent in the last decade on the connectivity of Varanasi and its adjoining regions. “This money is not only invested in the concrete but turned into the confidence,” said the Prime Minister.
Significant infrastructure projects are also underway, including the expansion of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport. “Thousands of crores of rupees have been invested today, and the airport expansion is ongoing. As the airport is getting bigger, the connectivity to the airport also needs to be expanded, so now a six-lane underground tunnel is going to be built near the airport,” he announced.
Connectivity Boost Across Eastern UP
Projects such as the roads connecting Badohi, Jaunpur, and Ghazipur are in progress. Long-standing demands for flyovers in Bikharipur and Manduwadi are finally being fulfilled. Additionally, a new bridge is being constructed to link Banaras with Sarnath, allowing travelers to bypass the city for easier access.
“In a few months, when all of the works will be completed, then commuting towards and inside Banaras will be more easy, the pace will increase and as well as the businesses. Along with that, it will be more convenient for those coming to Banaras for earnings or medical treatment,” said PM Modi.
Another upcoming initiative is the trial of a city ropeway system, positioning Kashi among a select few global cities with such infrastructure. “The city will be featured in the few cities across the world where this service is available. Whenever development takes place in Kashi, the youth of Purvanchal benefit greatly from it,” PM Modi remarked.
On the occasion, PM Modi also handed over Ayushman cards to three elderly citizens above 70 years of age, distributed certificates for three new Geographical Indications (GI), and transferred a ₹106 crore bonus to dairy farmers affiliated with Banas Dairy (Amul).
Youth, Sports, and Future Dreams
He also emphasized the government’s focus on sports development for the youth and the ambition of hosting the Olympics in 2036. “Our government is also focusing to give regular opportunities in sports to the youth of this city. And we are trying very hard to so the Olympics 2036 happens in India, but to shine the medals in the game the youth of city has to start preparing from now on. And for that new stadiums are being constructed in the city, best facilities are being constructed for the youth. A new sports complex has been started, and hundreds of players are getting training in that,” he concluded.
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