Varanasi, Apr 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched and laid the foundation stones for multiple development projects worth thousands of crores in Varanasi, with a strong focus on connectivity, healthcare, and women’s empowerment.
Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting Varanasi to Pune and Ayodhya to Mumbai, aimed at strengthening inter-state connectivity and facilitating easier access to key religious destinations.
Highlighting the government’s vision of a developed India, Modi said women’s empowerment remains a central pillar of national progress. He sought public support for the implementation of women’s reservation in Parliament and state assemblies, asserting that efforts would continue to ensure its rollout despite political hurdles.The Prime Minister outlined several welfare initiatives undertaken over the past decade, including sanitation, financial inclusion, housing, and healthcare schemes, which he said have significantly improved the lives of women.
He also noted that millions of women have been linked to self-help groups, with many emerging as “Lakhpati Didis” through income-generating activities.On the infrastructure front, Modi said projects such as a new bridge over the Ganga, a 500-bed super-specialty hospital, and a 100-bed critical care block would strengthen Varanasi’s position as a major healthcare hub in northern India.
He added that ongoing efforts to preserve cultural heritage, including development works at sites associated with Sant Kabir and Sant Ravidas, reflect a balanced approach to growth that combines modern infrastructure with tradition.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive development, the Prime Minister said Kashi’s transformation would continue with sustained investments in connectivity, public services, and cultural preservation.
