PM Modi addressing a gathering in Varanasi. (Photo/IndiaTV)
"The bid to make the city modern has been done while preserving the age old identity of the city," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said as he launched, laid foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 500 crore in Varanasi on Tuesday.
"Projects worth Rs 550 crore have either been dedicated to the public or foundation stones have been laid today. This development work not only covers Varanasi but adjoining areas as well," PM Modi said while slamming the previous governments for neglecting Kashi.
Varanasi had been left to the mercy of Lord Shiva under past regimes, the PM said.
Among the projects inaugurated by PM Modi are Integrated Power Development Scheme for Puraani Kashi and an Atal Incubation Centre at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). The projects for which the foundation stone was laid include the Regional Ophthalmology Centre at the BHU.
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Highlights of PM Modi's speech:
12:21 pm: Being a representative of people of Varanasi, it is my duty to present report card of work what I have done in last four years. I thank you all once again for the love and affection you have showered on me: PM Modi
12:20 pm:
12:12 pm: Work of International Rice Centre is about to be completed. Once it is established, Kashi will also become a hub for agriculture research, says PM Modi
12:10 pm: Efforts are being made to clean river Ganga from Gangotri to Ganga Sagar. Till now, schemes worth Rs 21,000 crore approximately have been approved towards cleaning of river Ganga: PM Modi
12:09 pm: Kashi will soon be a big medical hub of the eastern India, says PM Modi
12:07 pm: Kashi is witnessing an all round development. Projects worth over Rs 600 crore are already underway in the city. Not only in Varanasi city but villages nearby have also witnessed development. Basic amenities such as clean drinking water, road, electricity have now been provided: PM Modi
12:05 pm: I hope international guests will have a lifetime experience when they come to Kashi for Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in January next year. The world should see the beautiful colours of the city: PM Modi
12:03 pm: Varanasi has played to several international guests and this will c I hope international guests will have a lifetime experience when they come to Kashi for Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in January next year. The world should see the beautiful colours of the city: PM Modi ontinue in future also: PM Modi
12:01 pm: Varanasi ghats have gone under a sea change. Now, visitors are welcomed by clean ghats, says PM Modi
11:57 am: Soon, Varanasi will emerge as a transport hub. The Government is aiming for smart development in smart Banaras. Ferry services from Haldia in West Bengal to Varanasi will give a boost to transportation, says PM Modi
11:55 am:
11:50 am: The Government's priority is to connect Kashi with world-class infrastructure. The city will soon be free of dangling electrical wires. We are aiming to develop Kashi as the Gateway for eastern India, says PM Modi
11:46 am:
11:45 am: It gives me immense satisfaction to say that by Baba Vishwanath's blessings we have been able to direct Kashi towards a new era: PM Modi
11:41 am: Projects worth over Rs 500 crore have been dedicated for the development of Varanasi. All the developmental projects are being undertaken without disturbing the rich heritage and places of historical importance: PM Modi
11:40 am: PM Modi begins his speech in Bhojpuri. I thank you all for showering so much love on me , will keep coming to Kashi, says PM Modi
11:13 am: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other state leaders also present on the stage.
11:11 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at BHU ground to inaugurate and lay foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 500 crore
PM Modi arrived in Varanasi on Monday, which happened to be his 68th birthday, and offered prayers at the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple.
The PM also held a review meeting with officials and BJP leaders and took stock of the progress of the development projects in his constituency.
He also interacted with students of a primary school at Naraur on the outskirts of Varanasi. During his interaction with school children, PM Modi asked them not to be afraid of asking questions, saying it is a key aspect of learning.
PM Modi took a late night tour of key locations of the city before retiring for rest at the Diesel Locomotive Works guesthouse.
