Kashi didn’t stop or got tired even in difficult time, says PM Modi

VARANASI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while gifting projects worth Rs 1,583 crore to the people of his parliamentary constituency, lauded the spirit of the city, saying “by keeping up the pace of life even in difficult times (due to coronavirus pandemic), Kashi has shown it never stops or get tired”.
“People of Kashi combatted Covid-19 effectively and in a disciplined manner. They also ensured that development work is not hampered even during this time of crisis,” Modi said at a public meeting at IIT-BHU ground.
PM Modi inaugurated 78 projects of Rs 744 crores, including Rudraksh International Convention Centre that has been constructed to celebrate India-Japan ties and laying foundation of 64 projects comprising 206 works of Rs 838 crores.
“With this spirit, Kashi has shown that it doesn’t stop or get tired even in difficult times,” he said, recalling how the past few months have been difficult for mankind due to a mutating and dangerous form of Coronavirus.
Appreciating the teams of administrative officials and corona warriors of Kashi, he said, “Even if they were contacted in midnight, it was found that they were active in the field to make necessary arrangements for the needy.”
Regarding improved medical infrastructure, he said, “Kashi has become a large medical hub of Purvanchal (east UP). Today, treatment of critical diseases for which people from this region used to go to major centres like Delhi and Mumbai, has become available here.”
Not only Kashi, Modi also highlighted that health infrastructure has improved across UP. “Number of medical colleges has grown four-fold in the last four years while about 550 oxygen plants are in the process of being installed.”
The PM also praised the efforts to improve paediatric ICUs and oxygen facilities by the state government.
“Projects like highways, flyovers, railway overbridges, underground wiring, sewage and drinking water, tourism have seen unprecedented push from the government,” he said adding, “These projects are propelling ancient Kashi on the path of development even while keeping its essence safe.”
“For a clean Ganga and beautiful Kashi, work is being done for improving the condition of roads, sewage treatment, beautification of parks and ghats along the river. Widening Panchkoshi Road will make pilgrimage walks pleasant while villagers along this road would also be benefited. The Ashapur ROB on Varanasi-Ghazipur road will ease movement of people opting this highway,” he added.
About the projects for tourism promotion, the PM said that large LED screens installed all over the city and latest technology information boards on the ghats will help make visitors aware about the history, architecture, crafts, art and culture of Kashi. “People will also be able to see the aarti of Ganga and also Kashi Vishwanath temple on such screens by staying anywhere in the city,” said the PM adding, “Ro-Ro and cruise vessels services, which were inaugurated today will boost tourism.”
Regarding the measures for further development of Kashi as the centre of learning, he said, “Model school, ITI and many such institutions are being added to the city while CIPETs Centre for Skilling and Technical Support will prove a great support for youths of east UP as well as industries.”
“After perishable cargo and an international rice research institute, a mango and vegetable integrated pack house is also being opened here to develop the region as a major hub of fruit and vegetable exports,” said Modi adding, “It will improve the income mainly of small farmers. The region had already explored the markets of Gulf and European countries for the mango varieties like Langda and Dussehri.”