PM Modi Inaugurates ₹2,200 Crore Projects in Varanasi: A New Chapter in Development and Heritage Revival

On August 2, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a transformational development package for Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency, by inaugurating 52 infrastructure and public welfare projects valued at over ₹2,200 crore. Varanasi Real Estate development plan covers smart power infrastructure, road and bridge upgrades, education, healthcare, tourism, and civic services, bringing modern amenities to this ancient city while preserving its spiritual and cultural soul.

Overview of the ₹2,200 Crore Projects

Sector	Key Highlights	Value (Approx.)
Smart Power Project	Grid modernization, smart meters, solar energy integration	₹880 crore
Roads & Overbridges	Construction of flyovers, 4-lane roads, and rail overbridges	₹500 crore
Education Infrastructure	Upgraded schools, digital classrooms, sanitation units	₹150 crore
Healthcare Facilities	District hospitals, trauma centers, PHCs, mobile health units	₹200 crore
Ghats & Riverfront	Beautification of Dashashwamedh and Assi Ghats, walkways, lighting	₹120 crore
Tourism Infrastructure	Modern tourist amenities near temples and heritage spots	₹150 crore
Civic & Utility Services	Drainage systems, water pipelines, solid waste management	₹200 crore
Total		₹2,200 crore

Smart Power Project: ₹880 Crore Investment in Energy Security

The Smart Power Project is the largest investment among the 52 inaugurated projects. With a massive allocation of ₹880 crore, this initiative is focused on building a robust, uninterrupted, and intelligent power supply system for Varanasi.

Key Features:

• Smart meters for real-time consumption tracking

• Automated fault detection and quick redressal systems

• Integration of solar power in residential and institutional zones

• Underground cabling in dense zones to prevent blackouts and fires

Benefits:

• Reduces power losses and enhances energy efficiency

• Supports sustainable growth for industries and digital services

• Ensures 24x7 electricity for all – from urban homes to rural villages

Roads, Overbridges, and Flyovers: Seamless Urban Mobility

To decongest the historic city, the development plan includes:

• A new overbridge at Cantt Railway Station,

• 4-lane road connectivity between Lahartara and Rajghat, and

• Additional ROB and bypass projects connecting high-density areas.

These additions will:

• Decrease travel time for pilgrims and locals

• Reduce vehicular congestion in temple zones

• Support faster goods movement from the city’s outskirts.

Healthcare Infrastructure Boost: ₹200 Crore to Improve Access

The healthcare initiatives include:

• Upgrading district hospitals with ICU and trauma facilities

• Launching mobile diagnostic vans for remote areas

• Establishing Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in 5 rural blocks

• Adding maternal and child care units in under-served zones

These projects align with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission and bring quality healthcare closer to residents.

Upgraded Schools and Digital Classrooms

With ₹150 crore allocated to education, Varanasi is taking firm steps to improve the learning ecosystem.

Key additions:

• Smart classrooms in 50+ government schools

• New toilets, libraries, solar panels, and digital boards

• Skill development centers for students under Skill India

Ghats and Riverfront Beautification: Reviving Spiritual Tourism

Varanasi’s spiritual identity revolves around its ghats, and the latest projects aim to preserve and elevate that experience:

• Dashashwamedh and Assi Ghats are now equipped with LED lighting, security cameras, and clean walkways

• Construction of floating jetties and public sanitation blocks

• Maintenance of water channels and waste disposal near riverbanks

This uplifts the environment and enhances the spiritual and visual appeal for the millions of tourists and devotees who visit every year.

Modern Tourism Infrastructure: ₹150 Crore for Global Footprint

Tourist infrastructure near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, Tulsi Manas Mandir, and Bharat Mata Mandir has been upgraded with:

• Electric vehicle parking lots

• Tourist information centers with multilingual support

• Interactive signage, maps, and shaded rest zones

These additions complement the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor, positioning Varanasi real estate as a top global spiritual destination.

Civic Utility Upgrades for a Smarter Varanasi

Under the Smart City Mission, ₹200 crore was used to:

• Install new solid waste processing plants

• Expand drainage and drinking water pipelines

• Build solar-powered public toilets

• Implement IoT-based waste tracking

These urban improvements are vital for making Varanasi clean, liveable, and sustainable.

Why Varanasi Matters in the National Vision

As PM Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency since 2014, Varanasi has received consistent attention:

• Over ₹1.5 lakh crore invested since 2014

• India’s first Multi-Modal Terminal on National Waterway-1

• Direct flights to over 20 domestic and international destinations

• Metro and ropeway projects in the pipeline

Varanasi is now a template for urban regeneration rooted in culture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q- 1 What is the Smart Power Project in Varanasi?

It’s a ₹880 crore initiative to upgrade the power infrastructure with smart meters, solar energy, and grid automation.

Q- 2 How many projects were inaugurated on August 2, 2025?

PM Modi inaugurated 52 projects worth a total of ₹2,200 crore.

Q- 3 What impact will the flyovers and roads have?

They will ease traffic, reduce congestion, and provide faster access between key parts of Varanasi.

Q- 4 How will the ghats be maintained?

With smart lighting, camera systems, regular cleaning contracts, and riverfront infrastructure that supports sustainability.

Conclusion: Varanasi on the Path of Heritage and Progress

The inauguration of ₹2,200 crore worth of projects is a bold step in reimagining Varanasi as a smart city rooted in tradition. Every initiative speaks of a people-first, heritage-conscious development model, from 24x7 electricity and smarter mobility to clean ghats and modern healthcare.