Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to unveil a series of significant development initiatives during his visit to Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency, on Sunday. Among these projects are multiple airport developments across the country, with a combined investment exceeding Rs 6,100 crore.
A key highlight of the visit will be the laying of the foundation stone for the expansion of the runway and the construction of a new terminal building at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. This project alone is expected to cost approximately Rs 2,870 crore. The enhancements aim to boost the airport’s capacity and improve services for both domestic and international passengers.
In addition to Varanasi, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for several civil enclaves at various airports, including:
- Agra Airport: Worth over Rs 570 crore
- Darbhanga Airport: Around Rs 910 crore
- Bagdogra Airport: Approximately Rs 1,550 crore
New terminal buildings are also set to be inaugurated at airports in Rewa, Ambikapur, and Saharanpur, collectively costing more than Rs 220 crore. These expansions are projected to increase the combined passenger handling capacity of these airports to over 2.3 crore passengers annually. The designs for these new facilities draw inspiration from the heritage structures characteristic of their respective regions.
In addition to airport projects, PM Modi will inaugurate phases 2 and 3 of the redevelopment of the Varanasi Sports Complex. This initiative, part of the Khelo India scheme and the Smart City mission, has an estimated budget of over Rs 210 crore. The revamped sports complex will feature:
- A National Centre of Excellence
- Players’ hostels
- A sports science centre
- Practice fields for various sports
- Indoor shooting ranges
- Combat sports arenas
Furthermore, the Prime Minister will inaugurate a 100-bed hostel for girls and boys, along with a public pavilion at the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Sports Stadium in Lalpur.
PM Modi’s visit will also include the inauguration of tourism development projects in Sarnath, an area significant to Buddhism. These initiatives aim to enhance the local infrastructure and experience for tourists and will include:
- Construction of pedestrian-friendly streets
- New sewer lines and an upgraded drainage system
- A zone featuring modern designer vending carts to support local handicraft vendors
Additional tourism development projects will be inaugurated at the Banasur Temple and Gurudham Temple, alongside beautification efforts and the redevelopment of local parks.
The upcoming initiatives mark a significant investment in infrastructure aimed at improving the quality of life for residents and enhancing the tourist experience in Varanasi and surrounding regions. With a strong emphasis on airports, sports facilities, and tourism development, PM Modi’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to fostering growth and enhancing connectivity.