PM Modi inaugurates projects worth Rs 2,413 cr in Varanasi, says they are ‘new India’s new vision’

The prime minister claimed he faced ridicule when he spoke about unveiling a multi-modal terminal on the Ganga river, “but now, these projects are living examples of new India’s new vision”.

Referring to the multi-modal terminal — which is the first in the country — Modi said the next generation was poised to witness a sea change in the transport sector.

“Now, the country wants only politics of development. People take their decisions on the basis of development and not on vote bank politics,” he said.

He also inaugurated two important roads, having a total length of 34 kilometres and built at a cost of Rs 1,571.95 crore, in his Lok Sabha constituency.

The 16.55-km-long Varanasi Ring Road Phase-I has been built at a cost of Rs 759.36 crore, while the work of four-laning and construction of 17.25 km Babatput-Varanasi road on NH-56 cost Rs 812.59 crore.

The Ring Road will provide easier and more convenient access to Sarnath, an important site for Buddhist pilgrimage. These projects will also provide increased employment opportunities, development of small and medium industries and give a boost to economic development in the area, the prime minister said.

He also inaugurated two sewage infrastructure projects worth Rs 425.41 crore in Varanasi and laid the foundation stone for another project worth Rs 72.91 crore for Ramnagar.

The prime minister was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari and BJP state president Mahendra Nath Pandey, who is also the MP of the neighbouring Chandauli Lok Sabha constituency.

(With inputs from PTI)