The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated development projects worth more than INR 1780 crores in Varanasi on Friday. The projects include laying the foundation stone of the Passenger Ropeway from Varanasi Cantt station to Godowlia, a 55 MLD sewage treatment plant at Bhagwanpur under Namami Ganga Scheme, Phases 2 and 3 of the redevelopment work of Sigra Stadium, an LPG bottling plant at Isarwar village, Sewapuri to be built by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd, a primary health center in Bharthara village and floating jetty with changing rooms among others.The Prime Minister remarked on the simultaneous ‘darshan’ of the old and the new in Kashi. He mentioned the global buzz around Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Ganga Ghat work, and the longest river cruise. More than seven crore tourists visited Kashi in just one year. These tourists are creating new economic opportunities and employment in the city.
PM Modi also said that Kashi’s development is being talked about everywhere and every visitor is going back with new energy. He added that Kashi defied the apprehensions of people and succeeded in transforming the city.
The Prime Minister referred to people coming from adjoining cities and states who will be able to take a tour of the city in a short time frame. He emphasised modern facilities for the ropeway will create a new center for economic activities.PM Modi also talked about the New ATC tower at Babatpur Airport as a step for strengthening the air connectivity with Kashi. The Prime Minister also touched upon the development of floating jetty and underlined that the main focus point has been the needs of pilgrims and tourists.