Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited his parliamentary constituency Varanasi, where he addressed a public gathering and kickstarted a series of development projects aimed at boosting both urban and rural infrastructure. During the visit, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several key projects worth Rs 3,880 crore. Notably, this was his 50th visit as an MP to his constituency since 2014.
According to Varanasi Divisional Commissioner Kaushal Raj Sharma, the projects included several key schemes designed to uplift the region's infrastructure. Of the 44 projects, 25 worth Rs 2,250 crore, are dedicated to enhancing the city's electricity supply system. These include the construction of 15 new power substations, installation of new transformers, and the laying of 1,500 km of fresh power lines.
A highlight among the upcoming developments is a 220 kV substation to be built near Chaukaghat, which aims to ensure an uninterrupted 24-hour power supply to the city. The Prime Minister's visit also brings good news for air travellers, as plans linked to airport expansion are on the agenda. These include the laying of a tunnel to aid future growth and connectivity.
'Kashi belongs to me and I belong to Kashi'
Immediately upon landing in Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday received a detailed briefing from the Police Commissioner, Divisional Commissioner, and District Magistrate of Varanasi regarding the recent criminal rape incident in the city. He instructed them to take the strictest possible action against the culprits and to implement appropriate measures to prevent such incidents in the future. "I salute my family members of Kashi. I will always be thankful to the love and respect that I have received from you all. Kashi belongs to me and I belong to Kashi," the PM said while addressing the gathering.
'Development Underway in Varanasi'
The Prime Minister said that over the past 10 years, the development of Varanasi has gained new momentum. He said Kashi has embraced modernity, preserved its heritage, and taken strong steps towards building a brighter future. "Today, Kashi is not just ancient, but progressive as well," he added.
Recalling the struggles faced by people in Purvanchal 10–11 years ago, especially in terms of medical treatment, he said, "We all remember how difficult it was. But today, the situation has completely changed. My Kashi is now becoming the capital of wellness." He added, "Major hospitals from Delhi and Mumbai are now accessible near your homes. This is true development when essential facilities reach the people directly."
List of projects/schemes inaugurated by PM Modi:
- A Polytechnic college in Pindra
- A government degree college
- 130 drinking water projects
- 100 new Anganwadi centres
- 356 libraries
- Four rural roads
- A transit hostel at the Police Lines
- A new 220 kV substation near Chaukaghat
- Police barracks in Ramnagar
- Projects at Shastri Ghat and Samne Ghat
- Foundation stone for three new flyovers
- Two stadiums in Shivpur and UP College
Security was heightened for PM's visit
Considering the summer heat and traffic, PM Modi's event was held on the Ring Road, outside the city limits, to ensure ease of access for the rural population. Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal and ADG Security Raghuveer Lal informed during a pre-briefing at the Cantt camp office that six SPs, eight additional SPs, 33 COs, and around 4,000 personnel from police, PAC, and paramilitary forces will be deployed for the Prime Minister's security.
Rooftop deployment has been ensured along the VIP route and surrounding areas, with surveillance through CCTV and drone cameras. Police personnel have been instructed to avoid using mobile phones at duty points and to report in full uniform with ID and duty cards. Strict adherence to the PM's security protocol has been mandated, and ropes will be used to control the crowd.
(With inputs from PTI)
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