In the holy lanes of Kashi, where chants echo through ghats and generations light lamps in memory and prayer, a quiet transformation is taking place—a transformation that balances reverence with modernity, soul with structure.
On April 11, this ancient city, one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on Earth, witnessed a major stride into the future as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 3,880 crore.
Standing in the heart of his parliamentary constituency, the Prime Minister declared, “India today is carrying forward both development and heritage together. Our Kashi is becoming the best model for this.”
His words resonated deeply with a crowd that included not just political supporters, but weavers, milk farmers, students, and elderly pilgrims who had gathered to witness what many called a “festival of development.”
From Dust to Smart Corridors
Ten years ago, navigating Varanasi meant braving endless snarls and circuitous by-lanes. Locals still recall how pilgrims would miss their aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat just because of traffic gridlock. But that’s changing. Infrastructure upgrades like the Phulwariya flyover and the Ring Road are reshaping how people move across the city and beyond. Travel between Varanasi and districts like Jaunpur, Ballia, Ghazipur, and Mau is now quicker and far smoother.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for critical flyovers at Bhikharipur and Manduadih, a bridge linking the Varanasi Ring Road with Sarnath, and a highway underpass at the Varanasi International Airport—all worth over Rs 980 crore.
For locals like auto-driver Raghunath Yadav, who ferries devotees from the airport to the Vishwanath temple daily, this means shorter rides and more passengers. “Kamaai bhi badhegi, aur thakaan bhi kam hogi (Income will rise, and the fatigue will lessen),” he says with a hopeful smile.
Bright Lights, Empowered Lives
Urban development is not complete without reliable electricity. PM Modi inaugurated two 400 KV and one 220 KV substations, and announced new substations in Chaukaghat and Ghazipur with a Rs 1,045 crore investment. These power upgrades mean fewer outages, brighter streets, and safer nights—especially in rural pockets where darkness once ruled after dusk.
Classrooms in Every Corner
Education, too, is shining brighter in Kashi. In one of the most heartwarming moments of the event, PM Modi announced the establishment of 356 rural libraries and 100 Anganwadi centres, along with the foundation for revamping 77 primary schools under the Smart City Mission.
Twelve-year-old Ananya, daughter of a silk weaver in Madanpura, now dreams of becoming a teacher. Her school is among those being modernised. “Pehle pathshala mein bench bhi nahi tha, ab smart board bhi aayega (Earlier, our school didn’t even have benches. Now it will have smart boards),” her father says with a mix of disbelief and pride.
The Rise of ‘Lakhpati Didis’
Kashi’s transformation is not just in its roads and buildings—it’s in its people. Through the Banas Dairy initiative, over Rs 105 crore in bonuses were distributed to livestock-rearing families, many of them women. These once-marginalised women, now fondly called “Lakhpati Didis,” are building financial independence with every litre of milk they sell.
Urmila Devi from Chandauli district says she once had to borrow money even for medicines. “Ab humare paas apna paisa hai, aur izzat bhi (Now we have our own money—and respect too),” she beams.
The Prime Minister also praised schemes like the Kisan Credit Card, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, and free vaccinations for livestock, all of which are empowering farmers and ensuring better health for animals—a key asset in rural livelihoods.
Healthcare with Dignity
For the elderly, especially those above 70, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana is proving to be a lifeline. PM Modi personally distributed Ayushman Vay Vandana cards that ensure free medical treatment regardless of income.
For 74-year-old Ram Khelawan Mishra, a retired temple caretaker, it’s not just a card—it’s peace of mind. “Ab pet ki bimaari se dar nahi lagta (Now I don’t fear stomach ailments),” he chuckles.
Sports, Culture, and GI Pride
The city’s vision extends to sports and heritage. New stadiums and sports complexes are encouraging young talent in Kashi to dream beyond the Ganga banks. PM Modi reminded citizens that India’s dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics begins with preparing our athletes today.
And while infrastructure rises, Kashi’s timeless culture is not forgotten. Over 30 local products—like the famous Banarasi Thandai, Tiranga Barfi, Red Stuffed Chilli, Jaunpur ki Imarti and Pilibhit’s Flute—now carry the GI (Geographical Indication) tag.
To boost artisans and entrepreneurs, an Ekta Mall will soon open, showcasing India’s diverse crafts under one roof—right here in Kashi.
As the sun set on the Ganga, its golden reflection danced alongside smart LED streetlights. The aarti chants from Dashashwamedh Ghat harmonised with the sound of bulldozers and cranes. It was a fitting metaphor for a city that refuses to choose between past and progress.
Kashi is no longer standing at a crossroads. It’s marching ahead—shoulders squared, head held high, deeply rooted in its heritage yet wide open to the future.
