“We want to take development to new heights. In the coming days, be it Rail, Road or Electricity - we’re working on to make these available for the people in a modern way. If these services are developed, then society, with its own strength can touch skies of development.” - Narendra Modi
It is the result of this thinking of PM Narendra Modi that the emphasis is on infrastructure in his constituency of Varanasi. Everything from roads to railway stations, water-ways and airways is getting equal attention. A network of roads is being laid up here for the past two and a half years. Construction and widening of the main roads connecting Varanasi is being carried with an expense of Rs. 8014.57 Crores. Out of this amount, Rs. 7000 Crores is being spent on the widening of national highways connecting Varanasi to Sultanpur, Azamgarh, Gorakhpur, Aurangabad and other nearby cities which includes many new flyovers, bridges and bypasses to be constructed.
Widening and beautification of the road from Babatpur airport to Kachehri is being done with an expense of Rs. 753.57 Crores. Varanasi ring road is also being constructed. Along with this, widening of 125 KM stretch of Varanasi-Hanumanaha road is also being carried out.
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Development of waterway is also being done alongside the roadways in Varanasi, which is planned with an expenditure of Rs. 381 crores. In phase-1, 1380 Km long waterway is being developed from Haldia to Varanasi, which is planned to accommodate a multi-model terminal worth Rs. 211 crore, a river information system worth Rs. 100 crore, a night navigation system with a corpus of Rs. 50 crore and Ro-Ro Crossing worth Rs. 20 crore.
Railway is working here on large scale. With a cost of Rs. 1105.25 crores, railways are carrying out the work to improve all stations and provide civil facilities. Moreover, 17 pair of trains has started operating from here.
The air services and facilities for travellers have been improved at the Babatpur airport. Additional check-in counters have been set-up and additional boarding gates have been created here. Direct flights from Varanasi to Hyderabad, Bhubaneshwar and Bengaluru have started operating. The Airport is being expanded to facilitate take-off of bigger aircrafts from here.
Mauritius is an important pillar of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision ‘Mahasagar’: PM Modi
September 11, 2025
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Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam Ji Delegates from both countries, Friends from the media
Namaskar,
It is a matter of pride for me to welcome you to my parliamentary constituency. Kashi has always been a symbol of India’s civilization and cultural heritage.
Centuries ago, our culture and traditions travelled from India to Mauritius, and became a part of everyday life there. Just like the eternal flow of Maa Ganga in Kashi, the continuous stream of Indian culture has enriched Mauritius.
And today, when we are welcoming friends from Mauritius in Kashi, it is not just a formality but a spiritual union. That is why I proudly say that India and Mauritius are not just partners but a family.
Friends,
Mauritius is a key part of India’s Neighbourhood First policy and our Vision ‘MAHASAGAR’. In March, I had the honour of attending Mauritius’ National Day celebrations, where we elevated our ties to an ‘Enhanced Strategic Partnership’. Today, we reviewed all areas of our cooperation in detail, and also exchanged views on regional and global matters.
Friends,
I warmly congratulate Prime Minister Ramgoolam ji and the people of Mauritius on the conclusion of the Chagos Agreement. This is a historic milestone for Mauritius’ sovereignty. India has always supported decolonization, and the full recognition of Mauritius’ sovereignty. India has always stood firmly with Mauritius in this journey.
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Friends,
India takes pride in being a trusted primary partner in Mauritius’ development. Today, we have announced a Special Economic Package designed to support Mauritius’ needs and priorities. This will strengthen infrastructure, create new employment opportunities, and further enhance healthcare facilities.
The first Jan Aushadhi Kendra outside India has now been established in Mauritius. Today, we have also decided that India will extend its cooperation in establishing an AYUSH Centre of Excellence, a 500-bed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, as well as a Veterinary School and Animal Hospital in Mauritius.
At the same time, we will also advance projects such as the Chagos Marine Protected Area; the ATC Tower at SSR International Airport; as well as the expansion of highways and ring roads.
This package is not an assistance. It is an investment in our shared future.
Friends,
Last year, UPI and RuPay cards were launched in Mauritius. Now, we will work towards enabling trade in local currencies.
Energy security is an important pillar of our partnership. India is supporting Mauritius in its energy transition. We are providing 100 electric buses to Mauritius, of which 10 have already been delivered. The Comprehensive Partnership Agreement concluded in the field of energy will further strengthen this cooperation. We have also decided to extend support in the establishment of a 17.5 MW floating solar power plant at Tamarind Falls.
We have a long-standing partnership in the field of human resource development. More than 5,000 citizens of Mauritius have already received training in India. During my visit in March, it was decided to provide training to 500 civil servants. I am very pleased to note that the first batch is currently undergoing training in Mussoorie.
Today, we have decided to establish a new Directorate of Science and Technology in Mauritius. Very soon, we will also launch the training modules of Mission Karmayogi in Mauritius.
The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, and the Indian Institute of Plantation Management have entered into agreements with the University of Mauritius. These agreements will elevate our partnership in research, education, and innovation to new heights.
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Friends,
A free, open, secure, stable, and prosperous Indian Ocean is our shared priority. In this context, India remains fully committed to strengthening the security of Mauritius’s Exclusive Economic Zone, and enhancing its maritime capacity.
India has always stood as the first responder and a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region.
The refitting of the Mauritius Coast Guard ship is being undertaken in India. In addition, 120 of their officers are also being trained in India.
Today, an agreement has been concluded on cooperation in the field of hydrography. Over the next five years, we will work together on joint surveys, navigation charts, and hydrographic data of the EEZ.
Excellency,
India and Mauritius are two nations, but our dreams and destiny are one.
This year, we are commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam. He is not only the Father of the Nation of Mauritius but also the founding architect of the enduring bridge between India and Mauritius. His anniversary will continue to inspire us to work together to take our relationship to greater heights.
Once again, I extend a warm welcome to the delegation. Thank you.
हमारी संस्कृति और संस्कार, सदियों पहले भारत से मॉरीशस पहुँचे, और वहाँ की जीवन-धारा में रच-बस गए।
काशी में माँ गंगा के अविरल प्रवाह की तरह, भारतीय संस्कृति का सतत प्रवाह मॉरीशस को समृद्ध करता रहा है।
और आज, जब हम मॉरीशस के दोस्तों का स्वागत काशी में कर रहे हैं, यह केवल औपचारिक…
