Modi unveils projects for Varanasi

More than Rs5 billion will be spent on the prime minister’s Lok Sabha constituency

Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday launched various development projects worth more than Rs5 billion (Dh252 million) in his Lok Sabha constituency.

The projects inaugurated include the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) for Puraani Kashi and Atal Incubation Centre at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Among the projects for which the foundation stones were laid was the Regional Ophthalmology Centre at BHU.

Modi said the city has changed for good in the last four years and the work that has been done is clearly visible.

“The bid to make the city modern has been done while preserving the age old identity of the city,” the prime minister said.

Taking a jibe at previous governments, he said Varanasi had been left to the mercy of Lord Shiva under past regimes.

“Projects worth Rs5.5 billion have either been dedicated to the public or foundation stones have been laid today. This development work not only covers Varanasi but adjoining areas as well,” he said.

Modi said that his parliamentary constituency Varanasi was witnessing all-round development under his watch but care was being taken not to disturb its ancient flavour by conserving its rich culture and heritage.

He added that the central government was making serious efforts to also develop Varanasi as the “gateway to East India”.