Varanasi: The spiritual city of Kashi is set to witness a historic convergence of women’s empowerment and large-scale development initiatives as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in his parliamentary constituency for a two-day visit. The highlight of the day will be the ‘Jan-Aakrosh Mahila Sammelan’, a massive women-centric gathering expected to draw participation from nearly 50,000 women at the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) ground.
The event, being described as a “Mahakumbh of women’s power,” will be entirely managed by women, including security arrangements, which will be handled by women police personnel. The summit is expected to focus on key themes such as women’s dignity, safety, self-reliance, and equal opportunity.
Massive Development Push for Eastern Uttar Pradesh
During his visit, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for 163 development projects worth ₹6,332.08 crore, marking one of the largest infrastructure pushes for Varanasi in recent years. Of these, 50 projects worth ₹1,054.69 crore will be inaugurated, while 113 projects worth ₹5,277.39 crore will be launched.
In a significant boost to the dairy sector, the Prime Minister will also transfer a bonus of ₹105 crore to lakhs of dairy farmers associated with Amul (Banas Dairy).
Flagging Off New Amrit Bharat Express Trains
A key highlight of the visit will be the flagging off of two new Amrit Bharat Express trains:
- Banaras–Pune (Hadapsar) Express
- Ayodhya–Mumbai (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus) Express
These trains are expected to strengthen connectivity between eastern Uttar Pradesh and major economic hubs in western and southern India.
Focus on Women-Led Governance and Security
The ‘Jan-Aakrosh Mahila Sammelan’ is being positioned as a landmark event in women-led governance. Women will not only participate in large numbers but will also lead the organisation, logistics, and crowd management. Authorities have also deployed women police personnel across key security points, reinforcing the theme of women empowerment.
The gathering will deliberate on issues related to:
- Women’s safety and security
- Economic independence and entrepreneurship
- Access to education and equal opportunities
- Social dignity and participation in governance
PM’s Schedule in Varanasi
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in the afternoon and will proceed by helicopter to the BLW rally site around 5 PM.
He will be received by top dignitaries including Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak. Senior BJP leaders and ministers are also expected to be present.
PM Modi will stay overnight at the BLW guest house and on April 29 morning, he will visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple for prayers. He may also hold meetings with local public representatives and party workers.
Infrastructure Development Across Sectors
The projects being launched span across multiple sectors including roads, railways, healthcare, education, sanitation, tourism, and energy. Key infrastructure components include:
- Expansion and strengthening of road networks and flyovers
- Construction of railway overbridges and bypass connectivity
- Development and upgradation of hospitals and trauma centres
- Smart classrooms and renovation of school buildings
- Expansion of drinking water and sewerage systems under Jal Jeevan Mission
- Renewable energy projects including solar installations
- Development of ghats, temples, and tourism infrastructure
A major highlight is the ₹2,464 crore Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay multi-tracking project, which includes construction of a new rail-cum-road bridge over the Ganga River.
Key Inaugurated Projects
Among the major inaugurated works are:
- Widening of Varanasi–Azamgarh road (₹277.43 crore)
- Construction of multiple rural roads and ROBs
- 55 MLD sewage treatment plant at Bhagwanpur (₹308.09 crore)
- Renovation of educational institutions and hostels at BHU and Kashi Vidyapeeth
- Development of temples and heritage sites including Sarnath and Sant Kabir Prakatya Sthal
- Construction of healthcare facilities including CHCs and diagnostic labs
- Smart city infrastructure, solar power plants, and waste management systems
Foundation Stones for Future Growth
Major projects being launched include:
- A 500-bed super speciality hospital
- Multi-level parking and urban infrastructure at Assi Ghat
- New municipal corporation building
- Women police station-cum-counselling centre
- Expansion of sewage and water supply systems under AMRUT 2.0 (₹1,582.99 crore)
- Redevelopment of multiple ghats including Dashashwamedh, Assi, and Namo Ghat corridors
- New integrated government and administrative buildings
- Expansion of railway infrastructure and bypass roads
Strengthening Eastern India’s Growth Story
Officials stated that the development push is aligned with the broader vision of transforming Varanasi into a modern urban centre while preserving its cultural and spiritual heritage. The projects are expected to significantly improve urban mobility, healthcare access, education quality, and tourism infrastructure.
According to government sources, the initiatives reflect the ongoing transformation of eastern Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of the central and state governments.
Political and Public Significance
The visit also holds strong political significance as Varanasi remains the Prime Minister’s parliamentary constituency. The massive turnout expected at the women’s summit is being viewed as a demonstration of grassroots engagement and support for women-led development initiatives.
With large-scale infrastructure projects, railway connectivity expansion, and a strong focus on women empowerment, the two-day visit is expected to further reinforce Varanasi’s position as a key development and cultural hub of India. The convergence of a massive women’s empowerment gathering and one of the largest development project inaugurations in recent times marks a defining moment for Varanasi. As Kashi prepares for the Prime Minister’s visit, the city stands at the intersection of tradition, transformation, and targeted growth-driven governance.
