PM Modi unveils major development initiatives worth over Rs 6,100 cr in Varanasi: All you need to know

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a series of significant development initiatives, including airport projects across the country valued at over Rs 6,100 crore, during his visit to Varanasi on Sunday.

Among the highlights was the inauguration of the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital, designed to provide comprehensive eye care services.

Calling the inauguration a major step in the field of healthcare, Modi said that this would help the marginalised communities in the region get good medical facilities.

'Enhanced infrastructure across India'

The Prime Minister also took this opportunity to hail the work of the NDA government in the past decade, terming it governance that helped develop the infrastructure of the country.

"In the last 10 years, we have started a huge campaign to build infrastructure in the country," said Modi.

Modi laid the foundation stone for key expansions at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, which includes an upgraded runway and a new terminal, with a total investment of approximately Rs 2,870 crore. Additional airport projects were announced at Agra, Darbhanga, and Bagdogra, with respective investments of over Rs 570 crore, around Rs 910 crore, and approximately Rs 1,550 crore. New terminal buildings in Rewa, Ambikapur, and Saharanpur are also underway, collectively enhancing annual passenger capacity to over 2.3 crore.

On the development of airports across the sub continent, Modi said that India has seen a surge in not only the infrastructure of new airports, but the maintenance and upgradation of the pre-existing airports across the nation.

"There was a time when Uttar Pradesh was struggling to get proper roadways, but today, the state is known for its high-tech infrastructure. From Ayodhya to Noida- new airports, international ones in fact, are being constructed as an addition to the crown of development in the state," Modi said.

These airport designs draw inspiration from the region's cultural heritage.

Varanasi's 'promising future'

In addition, Modi inaugurated phases 2 and 3 of the Varanasi Sports Complex redevelopment, part of the Khelo India scheme and Smart City mission, with an investment exceeding Rs 210 crore. The complex will feature a National Centre of Excellence, player accommodations, a sports science center, and facilities for various sports.

Other notable projects included a 100-bed hostel at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Sports Stadium and tourism enhancements in Sarnath, aimed at improving infrastructure in Buddhist heritage areas. This includes pedestrian-friendly streets, modern sewer systems, and a zone for local handicraft vendors.

Modi also inaugurated tourism initiatives at Banasur Temple and Gurudham Temple, along with beautification projects for local parks.

The Prime Minister also took this opportunity to express his gratitude to the people of Varanasi, his constituency in the Lok Sabha. He said that Varanasi is now turning into a sporting powerhouse, for preparations for games as advance as the Olympics to take place in the city, in the near future.

"Along with facilities, these development projects have also brought employment opportunities for youth. When you (people) gave me a chance to serve you for third consecutive time, I had promised to work with 3X speed. It's not even 125 days since the government was formed, but we have already started working on projects worth Rs 15 lakh crore in the country," Modi said.