PM gifts Rs1,254-cr projects to Varanasi

Varanasi, February 16

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched or laid foundation of 50 projects worth Rs 1,254 crore in his Lok Sabha constituency.

He also flagged off IRCTC’s ‘Mahakaal Express’ through video link during his day-long visit to the city. It will be the first overnight privately-run train in the country to connect three Jyotirling pilgrimage centres of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, and Ujjain and Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh.

“The soul of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya give us encouragement. We are working for uplift of Dalits, deprived and others sections. And this is what Upadhyaya’s ‘Antyoday’ says – to give all facilities to last beneficiary in the queue,” Modi said.

He also inaugurated a 430-bed super-speciality government hospital here. He said in past few years, Rs 25,000 crore worth developmental projects have either completed or were going on in fast speed in Varanasi.

Roadway, highway, waterway and railway have been given top priority by the government and the Purvanchal Expressway work was going on at fast speed in Uttar Pradesh.

The PM also laid emphasis on better connectivity of heritage and religious sites, saying that tourism will be the main source of making the country $5 trillion economy.

Soon after his arrival here, Modi participated in the closing ceremony of the centenary celebrations of the Shri Jagadguru Vishwaradhya Gurukul and released the translated version of the Shri Siddhant Shikhamani Granth in 19 languages and its mobile application.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minster Yogi Adityanath and Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa were present on the occasion.

Launching the ‘Shri Siddhant Shikhamani Granth’ Mobile App, the Prime Minister said it is a coincidence that the centenary celebrations are taking place at the beginning of a new decade and that this decade will once again establish India’s role in 21st century in the world.

He said the digitisation of Shri Siddhant Shikhamani Granth via Mobile App will further strengthen the engagement with the younger generation and will also inspire their lives.

Modi inaugurated ‘Kashi Ek, Roop Anek’, an arts and handicrafts exhibition, at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Hastkala Sankul here.

‘Kashi Ek Roop Anek’ showcased products from over 10,000 artisans from all over Uttar Pradesh. There are 23 lakh artisans and weavers residing in Uttar Pradesh. Of them, about 35,800 artisans and 1.5 lakh weavers stay in Varanasi alone. — PTI