Lays foundation stone of the Passenger Ropeway from Varanasi Cantt station to Godowlia
Dedicates 19 drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission
“Kashi defied the apprehensions of people and succeeded in transforming the city”
“Everyone has witnessed the transforming landscape of Ganga Ghats in the past 9 years”
“8 crore households in the country have received tapped water supply in the last 3 years”
“The government strives that every citizen contributes and none are left behind during the development journey of India in the Amrit Kaal”
“Uttar Pradesh is adding new dimensions to every sector of development in the state”
“Uttar Pradesh has emerged from the shadows of disappointment and now treading the path of its aspirations and expectations”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated development projects worth more than Rs. 1780 crores in Varanasi, today. The projects include laying the foundation stone of the Passenger Ropeway from Varanasi Cantt station to Godowlia, a 55 MLD sewage treatment plant at Bhagwanpur under Namami Ganga Scheme, Phases 2 and 3 of the redevelopment work of Sigra Stadium, an LPG bottling plant at Isarwar village, Sewapuri to be built by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd, a primary health center in Bharthara village and floating jetty with changing rooms among others. The Prime Minister also dedicated 19 drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission, which will benefit more than 3 lakh people of 63 Gram Panchayats. He also laid the foundation stone of 59 drinking water schemes under the Mission. He also dedicated an integrated pack house in Karkhiyaon for grading, sorting and processing of fruits and vegetables. He also dedicated various projects under the Varanasi Smart City Mission

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that it is the auspicious occasion of Navratra and today is the day of worshipping Maa Chandraghanta. He expressed happiness to be present among the citizens of Varanasi on this special occasion and said that a new chapter is being added to the prosperity of Varanasi. He informed that the foundation stone of a passenger ropeway has been laid while other projects worth hundreds of crores have also been initiated for the all-around development of Varanasi which includes sectors like drinking water, health, education, Ganga Cleanliness, flood control, police services and sports services among others. He also informed that the foundation stone of the Center of Excellence on Machine Tools Design has been laid at BHU which adds another institution of global standards to the city. The Prime Minister congratulated the people of Varanasi and Purvanchal for the development projects of today.

The Prime Minister said that Kashi’s development is being talked about everywhere and every visitor is going back with new energy. He said that Kashi defied the apprehensions of people and succeeded in transforming the city.

The Prime Minister remarked on the simultaneous ‘darshan’ of the old and the new in Kashi. He mentioned the global buzz around Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Ganga Ghat work, and the longest river cruise. More than 7 crore tourists visited Kashi in just one year. These tourists are creating new economic opportunities and employment in the city.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the new development projects related to tourism and the beautification of the city. “Be it roads, bridges, railways or airports, the connectivity to Varanasi has completely eased”, the Prime Minister said as he pointed out that the new ropeway project will take the connectivity in the city to a new level. He noted that it will boost the facilities of the city along with creating a new attraction for tourists. He informed that the distance between Banaras Cantt Railway station and Kashi-Vishwanath Corridor will be covered within minutes after the completion of the ropeway while also easing traffic congestion in areas between Cantt Station and Godowlia.

The Prime Minister referred to people coming from adjoining cities and states who will be able to take a tour of the city in a short time frame. He emphasized modern facilities for the ropeway will create a new center for economic activities.

The Prime Minister also talked about the New ATC tower at Babatpur Airport as a step for strengthening the air connectivity with Kashi. The Prime Minister also touched upon the development of floating jetty and underlined that the main focus point has been the needs of pilgrims and tourists. Under the Namami Gange Mission, the Prime Minister informed that a sewage treatment network has been established in all cities on the banks of the Ganges. “Everyone has witnessed the transforming landscape of Ganga Ghats in the past 9 years”, the Prime Minister remarked and said that a new environmental campaign is underway on both sides of the Ganges where the government is promoting natural farming along the stretch of 5 kilometers. He also noted that a special allocation has been made in this year’s budget for this. The Prime Minister underlined that new centers are being developed so that assistance is provided to farmers when it comes to natural farming.

The Prime Minister expressed happiness that along with Varanasi, the entire eastern Uttar Pradesh is turning into a hub of agriculture and agri-exports. He mentioned processing, transportation and storage facilities in Varanasi giving new impetus to ‘Langda’ mango of Varanasi, ‘bhindi’ and ‘hari mirch’ of Ghazipur, Jaunpur’s ‘mooli & Kharbooje’ are reaching international markets.

Noting the issue of clean drinking water, the Prime Minister emphasized that the path of development chosen by the government has elements of service as well as sympathy. He informed that several projects related to clean drinking water have been inaugurated today while the foundation stone of various projects has also been laid today. He highlighted the ‘Har Ghar Nal Se Jal’ campaign and informed that 8 crore households in the country have received tapped water supply in the last 3 years. He also touched upon the Ujjwala Yojna and noted that the LPG bottling plant in Sewapuri will not only benefit the beneficiaries but also fulfill the demands for gas cylinders in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Western Bihar.

Highlighting that the governments at the center and in Uttar Pradesh believe in the service of the poor, the Prime Minister said that even though the people may call him the ‘Pradhan Mantri’, he holds the belief that he is here only to serve the people. Recalling his conversations with beneficiaries of various government schemes earlier in the day, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that thousands of citizens from Varanasi are availing the benefits of government schemes. The Prime Minister threw light on the time before 2014 when opening a bank account itself was a troublesome task and pointed out that today, even the poorest of the country have Jan Dhan Bank accounts where assistance in the form of payments is directly credited by the government. “Be it a small farmer, businessman or women self-help groups, getting a loan has become very easy through the Mudra Yojna”, the Prime Minister said. He also noted that cattle and fish breeders have been given Kisan Credit Cards, street vendors have started receiving loans via the PM Svanidhi Yojna, and the introduction of PM-Vishwakarma Yojna for the Vishwakarmas of India. “The government strives that every citizen contributes and none are left behind during the development journey of India in the Amrit Kaal”, the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister mentioned his interaction with the winners of the Khelo Banaras competition where one lakh athletes participated. The Prime Minister congratulated the participants and the winners. He mentioned new sporting facilities for the youth of Banaras. The foundation stone for the Phase 2 and 3 expansion of Sigra Stadium was laid today. He also informed that an International cricket stadium is going to come up in Varanasi.

“Today Uttar Pradesh is adding new dimensions to every sector of development in the state”, the Prime Minister said. He informed that the Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh is completing the first year of its second term tomorrow, on 25th March, and also noted that Shri Yogi has created a new record of being the Chief Minister of the state for the longest time ever. “Uttar Pradesh has emerged from the shadows of disappointment and is now treading the path of its aspirations and expectations”, he remarked. He noted that Uttar Pradesh is a clear example of increased security and service ensuring prosperity. Concluding the address, the Prime Minister said that the new development projects of today strengthen the path of prosperity and congratulated everyone once again.

Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Anadiben Patel, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath and Ministers from Uttar Pradesh Government were present on the occasion among others.

Background

In the last nine years, the Prime Minister has put a special focus on transforming the landscape of Varanasi and enhancing the ease of living for the people living in the city and adjoining areas. Taking another step in this direction, the Prime Minister dedicated and laid the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 1780 crore, during the programme at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University ground.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the Passenger Ropeway from Varanasi Cantt station to Godowlia. The cost of the project is estimated to be around Rs. 645 crores. The ropeway system will be 3.75 km in length with five stations. This will facilitate ease of movement for the tourists, pilgrims and residents of Varanasi.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of 55 MLD sewage treatment plant at Bhagwanpur under Namami Ganga Scheme, to be built at a cost of more than Rs. 300 crores. Under the Khelo India Scheme, the foundation stone of Phases 2 and 3 of the redevelopment work of Sigra Stadium was laid by the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of the LPG bottling plant at Isarwar village, Sewapuri to be built by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of various other projects including a primary health centre in Bharthara village, and floating jetty with changing rooms, among others.

Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Prime Minister dedicated 19 drinking water schemes, which will benefit more than 3 lakh people in 63 Gram Panchayats. To further strengthen the rural drinking water system, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of 59 drinking water schemes under the Mission.

For farmers, exporters and traders in and around Varanasi, the grading, sorting, and processing of fruits and vegetables will be possible at an integrated pack house which has been constructed at Karkhiyaon. The Prime Minister dedicated this project to the nation during the event. It will help in boosting agricultural exports of Varanasi and the surrounding region.

The Prime Minister dedicated various projects under the Varanasi Smart City Mission including redevelopment work of Rajghat and Mahmoorganj government schools; beautification of internal city roads; redevelopment of 6 parks and ponds of the city among others. He also dedicated various other infrastructure projects including the ATC tower at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport; a 2 MW solar power plant at water works premises, Bhelupur; an 800 KW solar power plant at Konia Pumping Station; a new Community Health Center at Sarnath; infrastructure improvement of Industrial estate at Chandpur; rejuvenation of temples of Kedareshwar, Vishweshwar and Omkareshwar Khand Parikrama among others.

Click here to read full text speech

Explore More
140 crore Indians have taken a collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat: PM Modi on Independence Day

Popular Speeches

140 crore Indians have taken a collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat: PM Modi on Independence Day
India’s organic food products export reaches $448 Mn, set to surpass last year’s figures

Media Coverage

India’s organic food products export reaches $448 Mn, set to surpass last year’s figures
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
“Sugamya Bharat Abhiyaan a Game Changer; Karnataka Congress Rolling Back Dignity and Rights,” Says BJP Minister on Disability Budget Slash
December 03, 2024

On the occasion of the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan’s anniversary, Dr. Virendra Kumar; Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment of India, spotlighted the central government’s unfaltering dedication to building an inclusive and accessible society for all. Reflecting on the progress achieved under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership, Dr. Kumar emphasized the transformative impact of the initiative, marking another significant milestone in India's journey toward true inclusivity.

Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized the remarkable strides achieved in creating a barrier-free and inclusive India. He spotlighted the flagship initiative promoting universal accessibility in public spaces, transportation, and digital platforms. “The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan has been a game-changer in promoting universal accessibility in public spaces, transportation, and digital platforms. This initiative reflects the PM Modi government’s belief that true progress can only be achieved when every citizen, regardless of physical ability, is empowered to reach their full potential,” he remarked.

Dr. Kumar highlighted the transformative initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, emphasizing their profound impact on empowering differently-abled individuals. He noted how PM Modi redefined societal attitudes by encouraging the use of the term Divyang(divine-abled) instead of Viklang(disabled), promoting a more socially inclusive, respectful and dignified life for them. He also underscored the landmark Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, which expanded the definition of disability from 7 to 21 categories, ensuring equal opportunities in education, employment, and social participation. Dr. Kumar commended the government's initiatives to support differently-abled individuals in various fields. He highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of India's para-athletes, who earned 19 medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and an impressive 29 medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. These successes, he said, reflect the inclusive policies and solid support provided by the Modi government.

Turning his attention to recent developments in Karnataka, Dr. Kumar expressed grave concern over the government’s alarming decision to slash funding for differently-abled individuals by an unprecedented 80%. He emphasized that on one hand, while the central government is making all possible efforts to empower the Divyang community, Congress on the other, is once again showing its true colors by disregarding their needs and undermining their dignity.

“Congress has hit a new low, stooping to strip Divyangjans of their dignity and rights, all in the name of cheap vote-bank politics. They prioritize freebies over fundamental human respect,” he said.

Dr. Virendra Kumar stated, “The decision to reduce the budget for differently-abled individuals from ₹53 crore to a paltry ₹10 crore in the year 2024-25 is nothing short of a betrayal which is detrimental to the progress and empowerment of this vital section of society. At a time when the central government is accelerating efforts to build a barrier-free and inclusive India, such a move undermines these collective achievements.”

He added, “Karnataka is home to over 1.3 million differently-abled individuals. Reducing their allocated resources will severely impact their access to education, employment, and essential support services, putting their futures at stake.”

Dr. Kumar highlighted that the budget cut reflects a blatant disregard for marginalized communities, calling it a striking example of indifference. He emphasized Congress's long-standing pattern of prioritizing political interests over public welfare, describing this decision as a new low. The reduction, he stated, directly jeopardizes the lives of thousands of differently-abled individuals who depend on this funding for access to education, employment opportunities, and vital support services.

Dr. Kumar concluded by stating, “As we celebrate the 9th anniversary of the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, I urge all state governments to align with the central government’s vision of accessibility and inclusivity. I specifically call on the Karnataka government to reconsider its decision and restore funding to support differently-abled individuals. Only then can we build a truly accessible and inclusive India.”