PM Modi Opens New Eye Hospital in Varanasi, Unveils ₹6,700 Cr Worth of Projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant visit to his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, on Sunday, October 20, where he inaugurated the R J Sankara Eye Hospital and laid the foundation for multiple development projects worth over ₹6,700 crore. These projects aim to enhance Varanasi’s infrastructure, sports facilities, and tourism potential, further positioning the city as a hub of growth and connectivity in eastern Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states.

Eye Hospital Inauguration in Varanasi

One of the key highlights of the visit was the inauguration of the R J Sankara Eye Hospital, operated by the Kanchi Math. This state-of-the-art medical facility will provide comprehensive eye care services to residents of over 20 districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh, as well as those from bordering states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. The hospital is equipped with advanced technologies and is expected to significantly improve access to quality eye care in the region.

During the inauguration, the Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Jagadguru Sri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal, praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He referred to the Prime Minister as a “divine blessing” for India, lauding his compassionate governance and commitment to uplifting the lives of the common people. Swamigal also highlighted initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which reflects Modi’s deep understanding of the challenges faced by the underprivileged.

Major Airport Expansion Projects

In addition to the eye hospital, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the expansion of the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi. This ₹2,870 crore project will involve the extension of the airport’s runway and the construction of a new terminal, which is expected to significantly boost the region’s connectivity. The expansion aims to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic and improve the overall travel experience for both domestic and international travelers.

This project is part of a broader nationwide initiative to upgrade airport infrastructure across India. New civil enclaves will be developed at Agra, Darbhanga, and Bagdogra, with respective investments of ₹570 crore, ₹910 crore, and ₹1,550 crore. The combined expansion efforts across these airports are expected to increase their collective passenger-handling capacity to over 23 million annually, thus enhancing regional connectivity and supporting India’s growing aviation industry.

Additionally, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated new terminal buildings at airports in Rewa, Ambikapur, and Saharanpur. These terminals, built at a total cost of ₹220 crore, feature architecture that reflects local heritage and are designed to boost regional air travel and economic development.

Upgraded Sports Facilities in Varanasi

As part of the ongoing development of Varanasi, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated phases 2 and 3 of the Varanasi Sports Complex redevelopment, a project valued at ₹210 crore under the Khelo India scheme and Smart City mission. This modern sports facility now includes a National Centre of Excellence, hostels for athletes, sports science centers, and dedicated fields for various sports disciplines. Specialized indoor arenas have also been constructed to support shooting and combat sports.

The newly redeveloped sports complex is expected to play a key role in nurturing future athletes and providing world-class training facilities for local talent. In addition to the sports complex, a 100-bed hostel and a public pavilion were inaugurated at the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Sports Stadium in Lalpur, further improving the city’s sports infrastructure.

These upgrades align with India’s broader goal of promoting sports and physical fitness under the Khelo India initiative. The facilities will not only serve professional athletes but will also encourage local participation in sports, fostering a healthier, more active community.

Boosting Varanasi’s Tourism Potential

Tourism in Varanasi also received a significant boost during Prime Minister Modi’s visit, with the launch of various tourism development projects. The initiatives focus on making Sarnath, a key pilgrimage and tourist destination, more pedestrian-friendly through upgraded streets, improved drainage systems, and the creation of vending zones for local handicraft sellers.

Other beautification projects were inaugurated at the Banasur and Gurudham temples, with the aim of enhancing their cultural and aesthetic appeal. These efforts, along with local park redevelopments, are part of a broader strategy to elevate Varanasi’s status as a top tourist destination. By improving public spaces and preserving the city’s rich cultural heritage, the government aims to attract more visitors, boost the local economy, and create more job opportunities in the tourism sector.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Varanasi underscored his government’s commitment to the city’s development. From healthcare to infrastructure, sports, and tourism, the projects worth ₹6,700 crore are set to transform Varanasi into a model city with modern amenities and global connectivity. With the R J Sankara Eye Hospital providing advanced medical care to a vast region and the major expansions in airport and sports infrastructure, Varanasi is well on its way to becoming a thriving hub for health, tourism, and economic growth.