PM likely to visit Kashi on July 15, launch projects

Modi to inaugurate 68 projects worth Rs 744 cr, lay foundation of over 65 projects worth Rs 839 cr

VARANASI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate 68 development projects worth Rs 744 crore, lay foundation of over 65 projects worth Rs 839 crore and meet Covid warriors in Varanasi, besides addressing a public meeting during his proposed visit to his constituency on July 15, said officials with the district administration.

These projects include the inauguration of Varanasi International Cooperation and Convention Centre (VICCC) ‘Rudraksha’, Mother and Child Heath Wing of the SSL Hospital (BHU) and construction of roads.

In December 2015, the then

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had visited Varanasi, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Abe had gifted the VICCC project to the city. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) had funded the construction of the VICCC, which cost around Rs 186 crore.

Japanese company Fujita Corporation, which was given the contract to construct the centre, built it and handed it over it to the Varanasi Smart City recently for its management and operation.

UP chief secretary RK Tiwari and DGP Mukul Goel inspected this centre and the BHU on Sunday. Tiwari said, “The centre (VICCC) will give a worldwide message of friendship of India and Japan.”

He also instructed officials to make foolproof arrangements for the PM’s visit. The DGP said, “Tight security arrangements will be put in place for PM Modi’s proposed visit to Varanasi.”

A senior official said the

Prime Minister will visit the VICCC and inaugurate it. Senior officials of Japan International Cooperation Agency will remain present during the inauguration of the centre.

Commissioner of police, A Satish Ganesh and district magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma inspected the IIT-BHU ground, the venue for the public meeting to be addressed by the PM.

Modi will address a public meeting at the IIT-BHU ground. Before that, he will interact with around 400 Covid warriors and also meet some people who donated oxygen plants to hospitals through CSR funds. People who are likely to meet the PM will undergo Covid test, said an official.

Later in the day, the PM will also visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and inspect the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, he added.

The PM’s visit to Kashi is proposed on July 15. Preparations are being made for it,” said Navratan Rathi, BJP spokesperson, Kashi region.