Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day visit to Surat in Gujarat, and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, on December 17th and 18th, unveiling a slew of transformative projects aimed at bolstering infrastructure, trade, and community well-being.
On December 17th, Prime Minister Modi will kick off his visit by inaugurating the New Integrated Terminal Building at Surat Airport, designed to accommodate 1200 domestic and 600 international passengers during peak hours. The terminal is a fusion of modernity and tradition, reflecting the local culture and heritage of Surat. Sustainability features, such as rainwater harvesting and a solar power plant, have been incorporated, making it a GRIHA IV compliant structure.
Following the airport inauguration, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the Surat Diamond Bourse, the world’s largest and most modern center for international diamond and jewelry business. It encompasses a state-of-the-art ‘Customs Clearance House,’ a jewelry mall, and international banking and safe vault facilities.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Varanasi, where he will participate in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra at the Cutting Memorial School ground. During this event, he will interact with beneficiaries of various government schemes, including PM Awas, PM SWANidhi, and PM Ujjwala, among others.
In line with his vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,’ Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023 at Namo Ghat, also flagging off the Kanyakumari – Varanasi Tamil Sangamam train.
On December 18th, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the newly constructed SwarVed Mahamandir in Umaraha, Varanasi. He will address devotees on this occasion.
The Prime Minister will then participate in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Sewapuri, a rural area of Varanasi, where he will witness live sports events and interact with participants of the Kashi Sansad Khel Pratiyogita 2023. He will also engage with beneficiaries of various government schemes.
In a significant step toward the region’s development, Prime Minister Modi will dedicate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs. 19,150 crores. Among these projects, he will inaugurate the New Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Nagar-New Bhaupur Dedicated Freight Corridor Project, designed to enhance the transportation of goods. Additional railway projects to be inaugurated include the Ballia-Ghazipur City rail line doubling project and the Indara-Dohrighat rail line gauge conversion project, among others.
The Prime Minister will also flag off the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express train, Dohrighat-Mau MEMU train, and a pair of Long Haul goods trains at the newly inaugurated Dedicated Freight Corridor. He will also mark the occasion of the 10,000th locomotive produced by Banaras Locomotive Works.
Infrastructure development will take center stage as Prime Minister Modi inaugurates the SwarVed Mahamandir, the Shivpur-Phulwaria-Lahartara road, and two railway overbridges. These projects, along with the widening of 20 roads, will enhance connectivity and convenience for the residents of Varanasi.
Under the Smart City Mission, the Prime Minister will launch a website for detailed tourist information and the Unified Tourist Pass System, offering an integrated ticketing platform for key attractions in Varanasi.
Prime Minister Modi will also lay the foundation stone for various projects exceeding Rs. 6500 crore, including an 800 MW solar park in Chitrakoot district and a new petroleum oil terminal in Mirzapur. These initiatives aim to boost renewable energy production and enhance the petroleum supply chain.
Other projects set for foundation stone laying include the widening of Varanasi-Bhadohi NH 731 B (Package-2), 69 rural drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission, and the construction of a 150-bed Critical Care Unit in BHU Trauma Center.
