Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation of various development projects in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (UP), on July 15, 2021. He inaugurated various public projects and works including a 100 bed MCH wing in BHU, multi-level parking at Godauliya, Ro-Ro Vessels for tourism development on River Ganga, and three – lane flyover bridge on Varanasi Ghazipur Highway, projects worth around Rs 744 crore.
The PM also laid the foundation of several projects and public works worth around Rs. 839 crore. They include the Centre for Skill and Technical Support of Central Institute of Petrochemical Engineering and Technology (CIPET), 143 rural projects under Jal Jeevan Mission, and mango and vegetable integrated pack house in Karkhiyaon, according to a PIB release.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister recalled the difficult last few months when the mutated coronavirus attacked with full force. He lauded the efforts of Uttar Pradesh and Kashi in dealing with the challenge. He praised the efforts of the Government of Uttar Pradesh in dealing with the pandemic. He praised his team from Kashi, the administration,and the entire team of Corona warriors for the way they mobilised day and night to create arrangements in Kashi. “Even in the difficult days, Kashi has shown that it never stops and never tires,” said the Prime Minister.
He contrasted the unprecedented handling of the second wave with the earlier instances when Japanese encephalitis type of diseases used to wreak havoc. Even the small challenges used to acquire massive proportions in the absence of medical facilities and political will. Today UP is the state with the highest number of tests and vaccinations, he said.
Modi enumerated the rapidly improving medical infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh. Number of medical colleges in the last four years has grown four-fold. Many medical colleges are in various states of completion. The PM talked about 550 oxygen plants that are being established in the state of which 14 were inaugurated on July 15, 2021. He also praised the efforts to improve paediatric ICUs and oxygen facilities by the state government.
The PM said that the recently announced Rs 23,000 crore package will help Uttar Pradesh. He said that Kashi city is becoming a big medical hub of Purvanchal. He added that the treatment for some diseases for which one had to go to Delhi and Mumbai is now available in Kashi. Some projects that were inaugurated today will further augment the medical infrastructure of the city, he added.
Modi said that many projects are propelling the ancient city of Kashi on the path of development while keeping its essence safe. He said projects like highways, flyovers, railway overbridges, underground wiring, solving the problems of sewer and drinking water, and promoting tourism have seen unprecedented push from the government. “Even currently, work is on for schemes worth 8,000 crore,” the PM informed. Broadening of Panchkosi Marg and Bridge on Varanasi Ghazipur will help many villages and adjoining cities.
The Prime Minister said large LED screens installed all over the city and latest technology information boards on the ghats will be of great help to the visitors to Kashi. These LED screens and information boards will present the history, architecture, crafts, art, every such information about Kashi in an attractive way and will be of great use to the devotees. The broadcast of the aarti at the Ghat of Maa Ganga and at Kashi Vishwanath temple will be possible in the entire city through big screens.
Modi also informed that Ro-Ro service and cruise service that were inaugurated on July 15 will boost tourism and Rudraksh center that is being inaugurated today will provide a world class platform to the artists of the city.
The Prime Minister also talked about the development of Kashi as a centre of learning in modern times. Today Kashi has also got model school, ITI and many such institutions. CIPET’s Centre for Skilling & Technical Support will help the area in industrial development. He said Uttar Pradesh is fast emerging as the leading investment destination of the country. He added that UP, which was considered difficult to do business in ,till a few years ago is becoming a favorite place for Make in India today. He credited the Yogi government for this as the focus on infrastructure development has been relentless in recent times.
Modi listed Defence Corridor, Purvanchal Expressway, Bundelkhand Expressway, Gorakhpur Link Expressway, and Ganga Expressway as some examples of the recent push. The PM said that a special fund of Rs 1 lakh crore has been created for modernising agricultural infrastructure in the country which will now benefit our agricultural markets as well.
The Prime Minister said today there is rule of law in UP. The mafia raj and terrorism, which were once going out of control, are now under the grip of law. Today the government in UP is run by development not on corruption and nepotism. That is why, today in UP, the people are getting the benefits of the schemes directly. That is why, today new industries are investing in UP and employment opportunities are increasing, said the Prime Minister.
The PM concluded by reminding the people of Uttar Pradesh about their responsibility of not allowing Corona to gain strength once again. He called upon everyone to strictly follow the protocol and get vaccinated under “Vaccine for all-Free for All” campaign.