Will Emerge As Employment Generator: PM Modi On Development Projects Worth Over Rs 1,780 Cr In Varanasi

PM Modi on Friday inaugurated and launched 28 development projects worth more than Rs 1,780 crore in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone of India's first and the world's third public transport ropeway. Besides, he also launched development projects worth over Rs 1,780 crore. Addressing a gathering on the occasion he said that Varanasi is getting the gift of several development projects.

He said, "Development works of Kashi are discussed across the nation. Banarasi saree, wooden toys and many more things are getting famous among the tourists visiting the city. Today Banaras is getting the gift of several development projects, from clean water, education, and rejuvenation of the Ganga to sports facilities, Banaras will get all-around development. Connectivity modes are making life easier here."

Talking about the ambitious ropeway project, the Prime Minister said, "Public Ropeway project will be beneficial for the city and will be available with several facilities like parking, food, etc. This will emerge as an employment generator in the city. A floating jetty will be soon constructed for devotees and tourists visiting the city. The city is also emerging in the agricultural field."

"Within 1 year, 7 crore tourists have visited Kashi. The Ropeway for public transportation will greatly reduce travel time between Banaras Cantt Banaras Railway station to Kashi Vishwanath Corridor increasing Kashi’s attraction and people’s convenience. Today, we have worked toward enhancing air connectivity by establishing ATC, which will improve the working of airports in Varanasi," he added.

8-9 वर्षों के विकास कार्यों के बाद, जिस तेजी से बनारस का विकास हो रहा है, अब उसे नई गति देने का समय आ गया है। pic.twitter.com/LbKXTMl0Gz

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 24, 2023

Abhishek Goyal, vice-president, Varanasi Development Authority (VDA), told IANS, "In the first phase, the country's first public transport ropeway will operate from Cantt to Godaulia in Kashi. When the project takes shape, pilgrims will be able to board the ropeway to reach Godaulia, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dashashwamedh Ghat. Through this service, they would not have to face traffic on the roads."

Prime Minister Modi also addressed the One World TB Summit organised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day.

Addressing the gathering at his Lok Sabha constituency, PM Modi said: "The city of Kashi is an eternal land which has been witness to the efforts and hard work of humanity for thousands of years".

"Kashi testifies to the fact that no matter how big the challenge is, when everyone tries, a new path also emerges. I am confident that Kashi will give new energy to our global resolve against a disease like TB," he added.

Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of the Passenger Ropeway from Varanasi Cantt station to Godowlia. Accordng to an official release from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the cost of the project is estimated to be around Rs. 645 crores and the ropeway system will be 3.75 km in length with five stations. This will facilitate ease of movement for the tourists, pilgrims and residents of Varanasi, it added.

PM Modi laid the foundation stone of 55 MLD sewage treatment plant at Bhagwanpur under Namami Ganga Scheme, to be built at cost of more than Rs. 300 crores. Under the Khelo India Scheme, the foundation stone of Phase 2 and 3 of redevelopment work of Sigra Stadium was also laid by the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of LPG bottling plant at Isarwar village, Sewapuri to be built by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. PM laid the foundation stone of various other projects including primary health centre in Bharthara village; floating jetty with changing rooms, among others.

Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, Prime Minister dedicated 19 drinking water schemes, which will benefit more than 3 lakh people of 63 Gram Panchayats. To further strengthen the rural drinking water system, the PM will also lay the foundation stone of 59 drinking water schemes under the Mission.

Prime Minister dedicated various projects under the Varanasi Smart City Mission including redevelopment work of Rajghat and Mahmoorganj government schools; beautification of internal city roads; redevelopment of 6 parks and ponds of the city among others, the release said.

Prime Minister will also dedicate various other infrastructure projects including ATC tower at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport; 2 MW solar power plant at water works premises, Bhelupur; 800 KW solar power plant at Konia Pumping Station; new Community Health Center at Sarnath; infrastructure improvement of Industrial estate at Chandpur; rejuvenation of temples of Kedareshwar, Vishweshwar and Omkareshwar Khand Parikrama among others.