Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 50th Visit to Varanasi: Launching Development Projects Worth ₹3,884 Crore

On April 11, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his 50th official visit to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh — a notable milestone that highlights his deep connection with the city. Marking the occasion, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for a series of development projects collectively worth ₹3,884 crore. These initiatives span sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, tourism, and cultural heritage, reinforcing the government’s commitment to holistic urban development.

Major Projects to Be Unveiled

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport Expansion
A significant portion of the total investment — ₹2,870 crore — will go toward expanding the airport’s runway and building a new terminal. The project aims to boost capacity, improve passenger services, and enhance Varanasi’s status as a key tourism and cultural hub.

RJ Sankara Eye Hospital
The Prime Minister will inaugurate the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital, which will offer modern eye care to residents of Varanasi and neighboring districts. This addition to the city’s healthcare infrastructure is expected to significantly improve accessibility and quality of treatment.

Development of Airport Civil Enclaves
Foundation stones will also be laid for new civil enclaves at Agra, Darbhanga, and Bagdogra airports, with proposed investments of ₹570 crore, ₹910 crore, and ₹1,550 crore respectively. These upgrades are intended to improve air connectivity across northern and eastern India.

New Terminals at Regional Airports
New terminal buildings at Rewa, Ambikapur, and Saharanpur airports — developed at a cost of more than ₹220 crore — will also be inaugurated, aiming to boost regional air traffic and economic activity.

Sports and Youth Empowerment Projects

Redevelopment of Varanasi Sports Complex
Under the Khelo India and Smart City missions, PM Modi will inaugurate the second and third phases of the Varanasi Sports Complex. The project includes a National Centre of Excellence, hostel facilities, a sports science center, and dedicated spaces for indoor shooting and combat sports.

Upgrades at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Stadium
A new 100-bed hostel and public pavilion at the stadium in Lalpur will be opened to support budding athletes, offering modern amenities for both training and accommodation.

Tourism and Cultural Heritage Initiatives

Sarnath Tourism Development
Targeting Buddhist heritage tourism, a range of development projects will be launched in Sarnath. These include pedestrian zones, sewer and drainage upgrades, and modern vending spaces to support local artisans and vendors.

Beautification of Religious Sites
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the beautification of the Banasur and Gurudham temples, as well as the redevelopment of surrounding parks — enhancing the spiritual and aesthetic appeal of the area.

Additional Key Announcements

Ayushman Vaya Vandana Cards
PM Modi will distribute health insurance cards under the Ayushman Bharat scheme to senior citizens aged 70 and above, supporting their healthcare needs.

GI Certification for Local Products
To promote Varanasi’s rich artistic traditions, the Prime Minister will present Geographical Indication (GI) certificates for products like tabla, traditional paintings, thandai, and tiranga barfi — aimed at boosting their market value and preserving cultural heritage.

Bonuses for Dairy Farmers
In a bid to support the agricultural economy, over ₹105 crore in bonuses will be transferred to dairy farmers associated with Banas Dairy, encouraging sustainable farming and rural income growth.

Broader Significance of the Visit

This landmark visit reflects the government’s multi-pronged strategy for Varanasi’s transformation. The projects are poised to generate jobs, enhance urban services, and stimulate tourism and investment in the region. PM Modi’s consistent focus on Varanasi — his parliamentary constituency — showcases his vision of turning it into a model city that balances development with cultural preservation.

Recent Developments and Future Outlook

In recent years, Varanasi has also witnessed groundbreaking projects such as an 800 MW solar park in Chitrakoot worth ₹4,000 crore, and a new petroleum terminal in Mirzapur valued at over ₹1,050 crore. These efforts underline a broader commitment to sustainable energy and logistics development across eastern Uttar Pradesh.

As the newly launched projects begin to take shape, Varanasi is expected to witness a transformation that integrates modern infrastructure with its timeless cultural identity — firmly positioning it as a leading center for tourism, spirituality, and economic progress.