Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Varanasi on October 20, 2024, to inaugurate a series of major development projects, including key airport expansions and healthcare facilities, valued at over Rs 6,100 crore. This visit underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity, infrastructure, and public services nationwide.
Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Varanasi Visit
The Prime Minister will inaugurate the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in Varanasi at 2 PM. Following this, at 4:15 PM, he will lay the foundation stones and inaugurate several key infrastructure projects in his constituency, further propelling the region’s development trajectory.
RJ Sankara Eye Hospital Inauguration
The RJ Sankara Eye Hospital is a cutting-edge facility that will offer comprehensive consultation and treatment for a wide range of eye conditions, including advanced surgical procedures. This hospital aims to improve healthcare access for eye patients in Varanasi and nearby regions, supporting Modi’s vision for better healthcare infrastructure in smaller cities. The Prime Minister will also address a public gathering during the hospital’s inauguration.
Airport Expansion Projects Across India
One of the key areas of focus during this visit is airport infrastructure development. Modi will lay the foundation stone for the expansion of the runway and the construction of a new terminal building at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi. The total cost of this project is estimated to be around Rs 2,870 crore. Once completed, the expansion will significantly boost the airport’s capacity, making it a critical hub for both domestic and international flights.
In addition, Modi will lay the foundation stones for the development of several other key airport projects across India, which include:
- New Civil Enclave at Agra Airport, worth over Rs 570 crore.
- Darbhanga Airport in Bihar, with an estimated development cost of Rs 910 crore.
- Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal is worth around Rs 1,550 crore.
These projects will enhance air connectivity, reduce congestion, and promote tourism and commerce in these regions, significantly boosting regional economies.
New Terminal Buildings for Rewa, Ambikapur, and Saharanpur Airports
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate new terminal buildings at:
- Rewa Airport (Madhya Pradesh)
- Maa Mahamaya Airport, Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh)
- Sarsawa Airport (Uttar Pradesh)
These terminal buildings, constructed at a cost of over Rs 220 crore, will increase the combined passenger handling capacity of the airports to more than 2.3 crore passengers annually. The designs of these terminals are influenced by regional heritage, blending modernity with cultural significance, thereby enriching the passenger experience.
Development of Varanasi Sports Complex and Lalpur Sports Stadium
As part of his broader vision to promote sports infrastructure, PM Modi will inaugurate Phases 2 and 3 of the redevelopment of the Varanasi Sports Complex, valued at over Rs 210 crore under the Khelo India Scheme and Smart City Mission. This modernized facility will feature:
- A National Centre of Excellence.
- Player hostels.
- A Sports Science Centre.
- Practice fields for various sports.
- An indoor shooting range and combat sports arenas.
He will also inaugurate 100-bed hostels for girls and boys, as well as a public pavilion at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Sports Stadium in Lalpur, providing enhanced facilities for young athletes and promoting sports culture in the region.
Tourism Development in Sarnath and Temple Redevelopment Projects
In line with his commitment to promoting tourism and preserving India’s rich cultural heritage, PM Modi will inaugurate tourism development projects in Sarnath, a key Buddhist pilgrimage site. These projects include:
- Pedestrian-friendly streets.
- Installation of new sewer lines and an upgraded drainage system.
- A dedicated vending zone with modern vending carts for local handicraft vendors.
Additionally, the Prime Minister will inaugurate beautification and redevelopment works at the Banasur Temple and Gurudham Temple, along with the revitalization of parks and public spaces, aimed at boosting tourism and local engagement.
National Learning Week: ‘Karmayogi Saptah’
Before his visit to Varanasi, PM Modi will also launch ‘Karmayogi Saptah’ – National Learning Week on October 19, 2024, at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The event will focus on enhancing the skills and competencies of civil servants, as part of the ongoing Mission Karmayogi, which was launched in September 2020.
Mission Karmayogi aims to build a future-ready civil service that embodies Indian ethos while adopting a global perspective. The National Learning Week (NLW) will provide a platform for continuous learning and development, with each Karmayogi committing to at least four hours of competency-based learning. The week will also include workshops and seminars organized by various Ministries and Departments to promote domain-specific competencies. This initiative reinforces the importance of lifelong learning and the goal of aligning individual capabilities with national objectives.
Meeting with NDA Chief Ministers
Ahead of his Varanasi visit, the Prime Minister also chaired a meeting with NDA Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers on October 17, 2024, where he reaffirmed the alliance’s commitment to good governance and uplifting the poor and marginalized. Modi emphasized the need to continue focusing on policies that improve the quality of life for all citizens and ensure inclusive development.
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said, “We had extensive discussions on aspects of good governance and ways to improve people’s lives. Our alliance is committed to furthering national progress and empowering the poor and downtrodden.”
Conclusion: A Vision of Development and Progress
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Varanasi reflects his continued focus on infrastructure development, healthcare, sports, and tourism across India. The projects he will inaugurate and lay the foundation for are part of a broader vision to build a modern, connected, and culturally rich India. By enhancing airport infrastructure, promoting sports, improving healthcare services, and boosting tourism, these initiatives are set to transform the regions they impact and foster economic growth, connectivity, and social development.
Sources- PMINDIA.COM
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