Hindustan Times (Jalandhar)

MODI LAUNCHES ₹557CR PROJECTS

VARANASI RALLY Modi launches projects worth ₹557 crore for his constituen­cy, lists developmen­t work carried out by him as an MP

- HT Correspond­ent letters@hindustant­imes.com

Launching projects worth ₹557.39 crore for Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said though he wants to make the town a smart city, care was being taken to not disturb the culture and tradition of the town and to conserve its history and culture. Addressing a rally at Banaras Hindu University, he said, “It is my duty to give you an account of my work as your MP.”

VARANASI : Presenting his report card as the parliament­arian from Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighte­d the developmen­t works carried out in Kashi by his government in the last four years.

Addressing a rally at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Modi said: “You may have given me responsibi­lity of Prime Minister but it is my duty to give you an account of my work as your member of Parliament (MP). You are my high command, you are my master and I am your ‘sevak’ (servant). So, I have to give you the account of every paisa and time spent on Varanasi.”

The PM launched and inaugurate­d projects worth ₹557.39 crore for Varanasi.

He inaugurate­d a number of projects including Integrated Power Developmen­t Scheme (IPDS) worth ₹362 crore for Old Kashi and Atal Incubation Centre at BHU. He also laid the foundation stone of various projects, including Regional Ophthalmol­ogy Centre and Centre for Vedic Sciences at BHU.

“Today, I will give you the glimpses of the work that I did as a parliament­arian in the last four-and-a-half years,” the PM and sought the people’s blessings.

He said while making Varanasi a smart city, care was being taken to not to disturb the culture and tradition of the temple town and to conserve its rich history and culture.

“Modern facilities are being developed in Kashi while preserving the tradition and eternal identity for which the city is known since time immemorial. There has been a positive change in the last four years. The difference is visible,” Modi said.

He said after undergroun­d cabling work in Old Kashi under the Integrated Power Developmen­t Scheme (IPDS), the cobweb of overhead electricit­y wires had disappeare­d.

“The government has cleared 200 projects worth ₹20,000 crore to clean up Ganga from Gangotri to Gangasagar. It is being ensured that sewage waste does not enter the river. In Varanasi alone, three sewage treatment plants are under constructi­on. Two of these are on the verge of completion,” Modi said.

He said the Centre was making efforts to develop Varanasi as the gateway to East India.

“We are trying to equip the city with world-class transporta­tion, education and medical facilities. Road projects worth thousands of crores of rupees are being constructe­d. The ring road project has been completed. Manduadeeh flyover has already been completed. Work to widen Andhara Pul, which was pending for many years, has also been completed. Railway stations have been modernised,” he said.

Alluding to the pictures of the railway stations posted on social media, Modi said people could see the changing face of the city soon after stepping down from trains.

“Kashi has started emerging as a health hub. The city already has a new cancer hospital. A super speciality hospital and a cancer hospital will come up providing modern facilities to patients. BHU has signed an MoU with AIIMS to develop a worldclass health institute,” the Prime Minister added.

Modi said the Atal Incubation Centre would give fresh energy to startups and added he was informed that the centre had already received applicatio­ns from 80 startups and 20 others were already connected with it.

“We are trying to uplift the status of people of every class. Kashi is among the selected cities where cooking gas is being supplied through pipeline. A line has been laid from Allahabad to Varanasi. Work is in progress to provide cooking gas supply through pipeline to 40,000 houses in Varanasi,” he said.

“We are committed to bringing about a positive change. Please come forward and contribute in making new Kashi and New India,” he said.

“I am the son of Kashi. The people of Varanasi gave me immense affection and blessings. I am beginning a new year to serve the country after seeking the blessings of Baba Vishvanath and Maa Ganga,” he added.

You may have given me responsibi­lity of Prime Minister but it is my duty to give you an account of my work as your MP. You are my high command, you are my master and I am your ‘sevak’ (servant). NARENDRA MODI, Prime Minister, in Varanasi

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 ?? RAJESH KUMAR/HT ?? Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a rally in Varanasi on Tuesday.
RAJESH KUMAR/HT Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a rally in Varanasi on Tuesday.

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