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PM Modi Unveils ₹2,200 Crore Development Drive in Varanasi, Slams Anti-Growth Narratives

Swarnadwip Nath Published Aug 02, 2025, 05:55 PM Updated Sep 17, 2026, 07:26 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi on August 2, 2025, to launch a sweeping ₹2,200 crore development package aimed at transforming the city’s infrastructure, cultural heritage, and public services. Addressing a large public gathering, Modi emphasized that his government delivers on promises, unlike previous regimes which, he said, misled the public and obstructed progress.

The visit also marked the release of the 20th installment of the PM-Kisan scheme, with ₹20,500 crore transferred to over 9.7 crore farmers nationwide. The Prime Minister’s remarks targeted opposition parties, accusing them of spreading misinformation and resisting development.

Key Highlights From The Varanasi Visit

- ₹2,200 crore worth of projects launched across infrastructure, health, education, tourism, and cultural sectors

- ₹20,500 crore disbursed under the PM-Kisan scheme to 9.7 crore farmers

- PM Modi accused SP and Congress of misleading farmers and obstructing development

- 14 completed projects inaugurated, 38 new projects initiated

- Over ₹880 crore allocated for power infrastructure upgrades

- Restoration of historic sites and promotion of tourism central to the initiative

Infrastructure Upgrades: Roads, Bridges, and Connectivity

The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several key road and rail projects:

- Four-lane widening of the Varanasi–Bhadohi road and Chhitauni–Shool Tankeshwar road

- Railway overbridge at Hardattpur to ease congestion on Mohan Sarai–Adalpura route

- Road upgrades in Dalmandi, Lahartara–Kotwa, Gangapur, and Babatpur

- New railway overbridges at Level Crossing 22C and Khalispur Yard

These projects aim to improve urban mobility, reduce traffic bottlenecks, and enhance regional connectivity.

Power and Smart City Initiatives

To modernize Varanasi’s power infrastructure, Modi launched the Smart Distribution Project:

- Undergrounding of overhead electrical cables

- Installation of smart meters and grid upgrades

- Total investment exceeding ₹880 crore

These upgrades are expected to improve reliability, reduce outages, and support future urban growth.

Cultural and Tourism Revitalization

A major focus of the visit was the preservation and enhancement of Varanasi’s cultural heritage:

- Redevelopment of eight riverfront Kuccha Ghats

- Beautification of Rangildas Kutiya pond and ghat in Shivpur

- Restoration of Durgakund and Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple

- Development of Kalika Dham and Karkhiyaon, birthplace of freedom fighters

- Revitalization of Munshi Premchand’s ancestral home into a museum

These efforts aim to boost tourism, preserve history, and foster civic pride.

Education, Healthcare, and Public Services

Modi also announced upgrades to public institutions:

- Modernization of 53 municipal schools

- New library and revitalized government high school

- Robotic surgery and CT scan facilities at Mahamana Cancer Centre and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital

- New homeopathic college and hospital

- Synthetic hockey turf at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Sports Stadium

- Multipurpose hall at PAC Ramnagar and QRT barracks for emergency response

These initiatives reflect a holistic approach to urban renewal, combining infrastructure with human development.

Political Message: Development vs. Disinformation

In his address, PM Modi criticized opposition parties, particularly SP and Congress, for what he called anti-development behavior. He accused them of misleading farmers and failing to deliver on promises. Modi contrasted this with the BJP’s track record, citing the uninterrupted success of the PM-Kisan scheme, which has transferred ₹3.75 lakh crore to farmers since inception.

Conclusion: A Vision for Modern Varanasi

Prime Minister Modi’s ₹2,200 crore development push in Varanasi underscores his commitment to transforming the city into a model of inclusive urban growth. By blending infrastructure, heritage, and public welfare, the initiative aims to elevate Varanasi’s status as a cultural and economic hub. The visit also served as a platform to reinforce the government’s pro-development narrative ahead of upcoming political cycles.

Sources: The Hans India, MSN India, Financial Express, India TV News, Livemint, Hindustan Times, Times of India

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