Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a historic 50th visit to his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, since taking office in 2014. The Prime Minister’s visit, which reaffirms his deep connection with the holy city, is packed with the inauguration and foundation stone-laying of 44 development projects valued at a cumulative ₹3,880 crore. These initiatives cover a wide array of sectors including rural upliftment, education, law enforcement, power, infrastructure, and urban beautification. PM Modi will land at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport at 10 am, after which he will proceed to Mehdiganj to attend a massive public meeting. The address will take place at a designated venue on the Ring Road, strategically chosen to make it accessible for rural residents and to minimize the impact of traffic congestion and summer heat on the city center.

Unveiling a Vision for Rural Progress and Urban Transformation

A significant portion of the projects being inaugurated today reflects the government’s focus on rural development. PM Modi will launch 130 drinking water supply schemes aimed at improving access to clean water in the region. Additionally, 100 newly constructed Anganwadi centers will be unveiled to enhance early childhood care and nutrition in underprivileged areas. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate 356 libraries that are expected to become knowledge hubs in rural belts, along with a new polytechnic college in Pindra and a government degree college to improve access to higher education.

Law enforcement infrastructure is also receiving a much-needed boost with the inauguration of a transit hostel at the Police Lines, upgraded police barracks in Ramnagar, and four new rural roads that will aid in both mobility and security responsiveness. The urban sector is not left behind. Beautification projects at Shastri Ghat and Samne Ghat will aim to enhance Varanasi’s aesthetic and tourism appeal. Infrastructure efforts also include works being carried out by the Railways and the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA), reinforcing the city’s modernized outlook.

Among the 44 projects, 25 are foundation-laying events amounting to ₹2,250 crore, largely directed toward strengthening power infrastructure in Varanasi and surrounding areas. These include the construction of 15 new substations, the installation of modern transformers, and the laying of 1,500 km of new power lines. One key highlight is the foundation stone for a 220 kV substation near Chaukaghat, a move that will play a vital role in ensuring a consistent 24-hour power supply across the city. Transport infrastructure is another major focus, with the foundation being laid for three new flyovers, several road widening projects, and enhancements to airport-related connectivity. These are poised to ease traffic congestion and support the city’s growing population and tourism influx. Education and sports sectors are also receiving attention, with renovation works in existing schools and the initiation of two new stadiums, one in Shivpur and the other at UP College, to promote sporting culture and physical fitness among youth.

Massive Security Arrangements for PM’s Visit

Given the high-profile nature of the event and the massive public turnout expected, security arrangements are extensive. According to Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal and ADG Security Raghuveer Lal, approximately 4,000 personnel from the police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and paramilitary forces will be stationed across the city. This includes deployment of six Superintendents of Police (SPs), eight Additional SPs, and 33 Circle Officers (COs). Rooftop deployment, drone surveillance, CCTV monitoring, and designated parking areas near the event venue have been planned to ensure safety and efficient crowd management. Entry to the venue is subject to strict security checks, including VIP routes.

BJP city president Pradeep Agrahari shared that Modi’s visit will last around two and a half hours. “Party workers will greet the PM with conches, drums, and floral showers. Hoardings and welcome posters have been installed throughout the city,” said Agrahari, according to news agency PTI. This visit, filled with high-impact infrastructure and welfare initiatives, symbolizes a major push in the final leg of the current administration’s development mission ahead of the 2024 general elections. For residents of Varanasi and Uttar Pradesh, it is not just a political moment but also a tangible step toward improved quality of life through focused development.