Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched various development projects worth over Rs5 billion (Dh252 million) in his Lok Sabha constituency.
The projects inaugurated include the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) for Puraani Kashi and Atal Incubation Centre at Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
Among the projects for which the foundation stones were laid was the Regional Ophthalmology Centre at BHU.
Modi said the city has changed for good in the last four years and the work that has been done is clearly visible.
“The bid to make the city modern has been done while preserving the age old identity of the city,” the prime minister said.
Taking a jibe at previous governments, he said Varanasi had been left to the mercy of Lord Shiva under past regimes.
“Projects worth Rs5.5 billion 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,” he said.
Modi said that his parliamentary constituency Varanasi was witnessing all-round development under his watch but care was being taken not to disturb its ancient flavour by conserving its rich culture and heritage.
He added that the central government was making serious efforts to also develop Varanasi as the “gateway to East India”.
Addressing a large gathering of vocal locals and BJP supporters at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) amphitheatre, Modi detailed the many projects being launched and inaugurated in the city and nearby villages to change the face of Varanasi.
“To make Varanasi a smart city, a gateway to East India, world class infrastructure is being brought in, transportation is being improved, LED street lights are being installed, medical facilities are being improved and strengthened, roads are being laid and existing highways and roads are being expanded and widened,” Modi said.
He added that care was being taken not to disturb the temple city’s rich history and culture.
The Prime Minister, who celebrated his 68th birthday on Monday with school children and party workers here, also said he was doubly delighted each time he saw the people of Varanasi posting pictures of the city on social media.
He urged the people to roll out an unprecedented hospitality to the hundreds who would come here for the ‘Uttar Pradesh NRI (Non-Resident Indian) Diwas’ in January 2019 so that they become brand ambassadors of tourism and goodwill for Varanasi.
He said the changing perception of Varanasi could be gauged by the fact that while in 2014 the footfall at the Babatpur airport was 800,000, it had grown to 2.1 million now.
Calling himself the “son of Kashi”, Modi said he felt blessed to have started a new year in his life with “the blessings of Lord Shiva and Ma Ganga”.
“It also gives me a resolve to further work for the welfare and prosperity of the people of India.”
Speaking on various developmental projects since he was elected from Varanasi to the Lok Sabha in 2014, he said serious efforts were on to make the BHU a knowledge centre of the 21st century.
