Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Varanasi today, April 11, 2025, laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs 3,880 crore, marking a significant push for progress in the Purvanchal region.
Addressing a large gathering, he expressed his deep emotional bond with Kashi and thanked the people for their constant support and blessings. In a special mention of the livestock-rearing families, especially women, he praised their hard work and resilience, noting how their efforts have earned them bonuses exceeding Rs 100 crore through the Banas Dairy Plant.
He highlighted that this reward is a recognition of their tireless dedication and highlighted how initiatives like these are transforming rural women into "Lakhpati Didis," changing lives across Uttar Pradesh.
PM Modi spoke at length about the remarkable impact of Banas Dairy in Varanasi, crediting it for reshaping livelihoods and enabling economic empowerment through milk production and Gir cow distribution. He noted that India has become the world’s largest milk producer, with a 65% surge in milk production over the past decade.
The government, he said, has taken mission-mode steps to boost the dairy sector—ranging from providing Kisan Credit Cards to free livestock vaccinations and revitalizing cooperative societies to expand market access and improve breed quality through the Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
While addressing the crowd, the Prime Minister underlined the wide-ranging development work transforming Kashi and the larger Purvanchal region. These efforts include better connectivity through new roads, flyovers, and the expansion of Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, ensuring smoother travel and reduced congestion.
He spoke about infrastructure projects like the Phulwariya flyover and Ring Road, which are reducing travel time and opening up economic opportunities for nearby districts such as Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Ballia, and Mau. The upcoming six-lane tunnel near the airport and new flyovers at Bhikharipur and Manduadih, along with a new bridge to Sarnath, are expected to further ease commutes and drive local development.
PM Modi also highlighted the steps made in healthcare through schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Vay Vandana, providing free treatment to lakhs, especially senior citizens. He said Varanasi alone has issued around 50,000 Vay Vandana Cards, a clear reflection of the scheme’s outreach. Healthcare, once inaccessible, is now available locally through state-of-the-art hospitals and infrastructure, ending the financial strain families once faced for treatment.
Sports and youth development also featured prominently, with the opening of new stadiums and sports complexes. Hundreds of athletes are now training in Varanasi, and the upcoming ropeway project will place the city among the few globally offering this modern transport facility. These improvements, Modi emphasized, are not just about convenience—they're about fueling aspiration and unlocking opportunities for the younger generation.
The Prime Minister celebrated the rich cultural fabric of Kashi, calling it a living symbol of India's soul and diversity. He pointed to the success of initiatives like Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and announced the upcoming Ekta Mall, which will showcase the artistic and cultural diversity of India.
He lauded Uttar Pradesh’s leadership in securing Geographical Indication (GI) tags for over 30 products, from Varanasi's traditional crafts and sweets to region-specific art forms and agricultural products. These GI tags, he said, act as global passports for local identity and open up fresh markets for artisans and farmers alike. Concluding his address, Modi reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the spirit of Kashi while aligning it with a modern vision.
