Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated and laid foundation stones of multiple development projects in Varanasi worth more than Rs 1,500 crore at the IIT-BHU ground. After reaching Varanasi, his constituency, Modi inaugurated various public projects and works, including a 100-bed MCH wing in the BHU, multi-level parking at Godauliya, Ro-Ro vessels for tourism development on river Ganga and a three-lane flyover bridge on the Varanasi-Ghazipur highway.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated projects worth around Rs 744 crore and laid foundation stones of several projects and public works worth about Rs 839 crore. These include the Centre for Skill and Technical Support of Central Institute of Petrochemical Engineering and Technology (CIPET), 143 rural projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission and mango and vegetable integrated pack house in Karkhiyanv. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and State Ministers were also present on the occasion.

The Prime Minister praised the Uttar Pradesh Government for its handling of the Covid crisis and said the way it had controlled the second wave of the infection was “unprecedented”.

Describing the efforts of the Government in combating Covid-19 as “commendable”, Modi said, “The way in which UP has controlled the second wave of corona and stopped its spread is unprecedented.”

Modi also inaugurated the International Cooperation and Convention Centre, Rudrakash which has been constructed with Japanese assistance.

Addressing a gathering after the inaugurating of the Centre, Modi said, “Kashi is the oldest living city of the world. From Lord Shiva to Lord Buddha, Kashi has for eons preserved art, culture along with spirituality.”

“A number of art forms developed on the ghats of the Ganga, knowledge reached its peak and serious deliberations over humanity took place on this soil. Hence, Banaras can become a very big global centre for music, religion, spirituality, knowledge and science,” he said.