Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, August 2, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Varanasi—his parliamentary constituency—on Saturday to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for 52 major development projects worth roughly Rs 2,200 crore. The scheme spans key areas like road and power infrastructure, heritage and tourism, health services, and education, marking a significant boost to the city’s urban growth.
The Prime Minister also disbursed the 20th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme, depositing more than Rs 20,500 crore directly into the accounts of nearly 9.7 crore farmers nationwide. The occasion was marked as ‘PM Kisan Day’ with over 2.2 lakh farmers in Kashi benefiting from the financial support.
Infrastructure & Connectivity
Among the flagship projects is the four-lane widening of the Varanasi–Bhadohi road (costing ₹269 crore), intended to ease pilgrim and commuter movement. Other roads enhanced include the Chhitauni–Shool Tankeshwar stretch, a railway overbridge at Hardattpur, and widened links across Dalmandi, Lahartara-Kotwa, Gangapur, and Babatpur corridors. Multiple new rail overbridges at Level Crossing 22 C and Khalispur Yard also improve traffic flow.
Power infrastructure receives a major upgrade with the Smart Distribution Project, which will convert overhead lines into underground systems under a ₹880 crore package. This move aims to reduce outages and maintain city aesthetics.
Heritage, Tourism & Urban Development
A core focus lies on tourism and cultural conservation. PM Modi inaugurated redevelopment work on eight riverfront Kuccha ghats, including restoration of Kalika Dham, Rangildas Kutiya Ghat, and Durgakund water purification. They will also bring new floating pujan platforms to major holy ponds like Ramkund and Mandakini, preserving spiritual heritage.
Heritage landmarks such as Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple, Munshi Premchand’s ancestral house, and City Facility Centres in Sarnath, Rishi Mandvi, and Ramnagar are set for restoration and modernization. Urban green spaces will be enhanced via a Miyawaki forest at Kanchanpur and the beautification of Shaheed Udyan and 21 parks.
Health Sector Upgrades
In a boost to healthcare infrastructure, advanced medical equipment was inaugurated at the Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre and the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital. Facilities now include robotic surgery suites and CT scanners. PM Modi also laid the groundwork for a new Homoeopathic College & Hospital, as well as a combined Animal Birth Control Centre and Dog Care Unit.
Education & Youth Development
Education infrastructure is being significantly upgraded. 53 municipal school buildings have been refurbished, and new projects include a district library and renovation of government high schools in areas like Jakhini and Lalpur.
Public & Official Reactions
Local residents have welcomed the projects but urged balanced implementation. The Dalmandi Road widening, in particular, has drawn concerns from businesses operating in the congested zone. Community leaders and religious figures have been consulted to ensure cultural sensitivities are respected.
What It Means for Varanasi
Collectively, these 52 projects mark a significant step toward transforming Varanasi into a more modern, green, and visitor‑friendly city—while preserving its cultural and spiritual core. With enhanced roads, heritage sites, and health facilities, the goal is to promote holistic urban transformation.
For pilgrims, tourists, and locals alike, the plan promises better mobility, clean water, upgraded medical care, improved schools, and preserved cultural landscapes. PM Modi’s package provides a strong foundation for Varanasi’s long‑term growth, strengthening its position as both an ancient city and a modern urban centre.
