PM Modi Launches ₹2,200 Crore Development Projects in Varanasi, Inaugurates PM-KISAN 20th Installment

Varanasi-  Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over ₹2,200 crore in Varanasi today, emphasizing holistic urban development, rural upliftment, and farmer welfare. Addressing a large gathering during the auspicious month of Sawan, Modi expressed his emotional connection with the city and its people, declaring that the “stream of development in Varanasi continues to flow uninterrupted with Baba Vishwanath’s blessings.”

In his first visit to Varanasi post Operation Sindoor, PM Modi recalled the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reiterated India’s commitment to national security. He affirmed that India has shown its “Rudra roop” to the world, warning, “Whoever attacks India will not be safe even in hell.”
He lauded the success of indigenous defense systems, especially BrahMos missiles, drones, and air-defense systems, affirming that missile manufacturing has begun in Lucknow, strengthening the Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor.

During the event, Modi released the 20th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme, transferring over ₹20,500 crore directly into the bank accounts of more than 9.7 crore farmers nationwide. So far, the scheme has disbursed ₹3.75 lakh crore, including ₹90,000 crore to 2.5 crore farmers in Uttar Pradesh.

He took a dig at opposition parties, accusing them of spreading misinformation during the scheme’s launch in 2019, and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to support farmers “from seed to market.”

Major Announcements and Schemes Launched

• ₹24,000 crore allocated under the newly approved Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana for backward agricultural districts.
• Continued efforts under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, where farmers have received claims worth ₹1.75 lakh crore.
• Highlighted record hikes in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and construction of new warehouses across India.

PM Modi praised the “Lakhpati Didi” campaign, with 1.5 crore rural women already becoming lakhpatis, and noted the growing success of the Drone Didi initiative, aimed at enhancing women’s roles in agri-tech and entrepreneurship.

PM Modi unveiled and laid the foundation stone for projects across sectors including infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, urban beautification, and cultural heritage:

Infrastructure:

• Widening of Varanasi–Bhadohi Road and Chhitauni–Shool Tankeshwar Road
• Construction of rail overbridges at Hardattpur, Level Crossing 22C, and Khalispur Yard
• Underground electrical infrastructure and Smart Distribution Project worth over ₹880 crore

Urban and Cultural Projects:

• Redevelopment of 8 riverfront ghats, beautification of Kalika Dham and Durgakund
• Restoration of Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple and redevelopment of Munshi Premchand’s ancestral house
• Creation of Urban Miyawaki Forest and beautification of Shaheed Udyan and 21 other parks

Education and Health:

• Upgradation of 53 school buildings, new district library, and renovation of schools at Jakhini and Lalpur
• Inauguration of robotic surgery and CT scan facilities at Mahamana Cancer Centre
• Foundation stone laid for a Homoeopathic College and Hospital and Animal Birth Control Centre

Sports and Law Enforcement:

• Inauguration of synthetic hockey turf at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Sports Stadium
• Inauguration of Multipurpose Hall at PAC Ramnagar and foundation stone for QRT Barracks

Digital and Social Welfare Initiatives

• Launch of the Jan Dhan Yojana KYC update drive, covering over 1 lakh gram panchayats
• Facilitation of enrollment in Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, and Atal Pension Yojana
• Distribution of 7,400+ assistive aids to Divyangjan and senior citizens
• Launch of Kashi Sansad Pratiyogita portal for photography, sketching, employment fair, and other competitions

Urging citizens to support “Make in India”, PM Modi appealed for a national pledge towards Swadeshi products, especially during the upcoming festival season. “Anything made by the sweat of an Indian is Swadeshi. Let’s promote our local economy and honor Mahatma Gandhi’s vision,” he said.

Referring to Sevapuri as a land of revolution and sacrifice, PM Modi recalled the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi and the weavers of Varanasi and Bhadohi. “Varanasi is not only a spiritual hub but a city of intellectuals and artisans, and its future is rooted in unity, culture, and progress,” he added.

Asserting that India is set to become the world’s third-largest economy, the Prime Minister concluded by saying that the dream of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) will be realized through unity, collective effort, and citizen participation.

“We are working with full strength to change the lives of farmers, increase their income, and reduce the cost of farming. The journey from seed to market—this government stands firmly with them.” – PM Modi