Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the gathering during the foundation stone laying and inauguration of development work in Varanasi on April 11, 2025.
| Photo Credit: YouTube/@narendramodi via PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects and inaugurated a few others, in all worth over ₹3,880 crore, in Varanasi on Friday (April 11, 2025), during his 50th visit as member of Parliament (MP) to the Lok Sabha constituency.
Touching upon Varanasi’s transformation since 2014, the Prime Minister said that Kashi (the ancient name of Varanasi) had not only preserved its ancient heritage but also embraced a modern outlook.
“In the past over 10 years, Varanasi has witnessed remarkable transformation and growth. Kashi has gracefully embraced modernity while preserving its rich heritage, taking confident strides towards a brighter future. Today, Kashi stands not only as a symbol of antiquity but also as a beacon of progress. It now occupies a pivotal place on the economic map of Purvanchal (eastern Uttar Pradesh) region. The very Kashi that was once guided by Lord Mahadev himself, today, that same Kashi is driving the chariot of development for the entire Purvanchal region,” Mr. Modi said at a public gathering in Mehandigan in Varanasi.
Hailing the rural development projects that he inaugurated or laid the foundation of, including 130 drinking water schemes, 100 new Anganwadi centres, 356 rural libraries, a polytechnic college in Pindra, and a government degree college, Mr. Modi said these initiatives would transform Purvanchal into a developed region.
“Multiple development initiatives projects related to Kashi and other parts of Purvanchal were either inaugurated or their foundation stones laid. It included several infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity, a campaign to ensure the provision of tap water to every village and household, the expansion of educational, healthcare, and sports facilities, and a firm commitment to improve amenities for every region, every family, and every young person. These projects will act as significant steps in the journey towards transforming Purvanchal into a developed region. Every person in Kashi will benefit immensely from these endeavours,” he added, while terming the city the hub of eastern U.P.’s economic map.
Describing Varanasi as a symbol of both heritage and development, the Prime Minister added, “It is our responsibility to connect Kashi’s ancient soul with a modern identity. Kashi, a spiritual and cultural centre, is also a leading economic centre of the region now and playing a pivotal role in the region’s growth.”
Health cards to elderly
During the event, he distributed Ayushman Vay Vandana health cards to elderly citizens, as per the scheme that provides free medical treatment for senior citizens above the age of 70. “The satisfaction on the faces of our elders is the biggest success of this scheme. People won’t have to take loans or sell lands for medical expenses, the government will care for them,” he added.
Mr. Modi also transferred ₹106 crore in bonus payments to livestock farmers associated with Banas Dairy. “This is the result of your dedication,” he added pointing to how the dairy had helped improve the financial condition of thousands of families in the region, especially empowering women.
Published – April 11, 2025 09:11 am IST
