PM Modi’s Vision and CM Yogi’s Mission Turn Varanasi into a Global Spiritual Tourism Hub
Lucknow: The Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2021, has not only transformed Varanasi’s spiritual landscape but has also given a massive economic boost to Uttar Pradesh. Backed by PM Modi’s vision and CM Yogi Adityanath’s mission, the corridor has attracted over 25.28 crore visitors till September 30, 2025, contributing an estimated ₹1.25 lakh crore to the state’s economy.
According to Vishw Bhushan Mishra, Chief Executive Officer of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the project has completely changed the face of Kashi while sparking rapid economic growth across the region. “The influx of domestic and international pilgrims has created large-scale employment for local traders, boatmen, priests, hawkers, and hotel operators,” Mishra said.
A Model for Religious Tourism and Economic Growth
Enhanced safety, world-class amenities, and excellent road connectivity — from the airport to the Ganga ghats — have made Kashi a top destination for pilgrims and tourists. Under CM Yogi’s leadership, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a national model for religious tourism, gaining global recognition for its cultural and economic revival.
Economic Ripple Effect Across Purvanchal
Economist Prof. Rajnath from Sampurnanand Sanskrit University noted that the average tourist spends between ₹4,000 and ₹5,000 during their visit. Using this conservative estimate, Kashi alone has generated about ₹1.25 lakh crore in economic circulation over the past three and a half years — a figure that is significantly boosting the growth trajectory of eastern Uttar Pradesh (Purvanchal).
About 70% of the pilgrims visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Dham come from southern India, while nearly 15% are from other states and districts. Most of these devotees also travel onward to Vindhyavasini Dham, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Mathura, Chitrakoot, and Naimisharanya, creating a ripple effect that enhances the GDP of the entire state.
A Development Blueprint for the Nation
Officials assert that the “Modi-Yogi Model” has not only uplifted Varanasi but has also become a template for development across India. The growth in hospitality, retail, and service sectors has generated employment opportunities for lakhs of people in and around Kashi.
Inspired by the success of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the Yogi government is now accelerating the development of Ayodhya, Mathura, Chitrakoot, Naimisharanya, and Vindhyachal on similar lines, integrating religious tourism as a key driver of economic and cultural prosperity.
As Kashi continues to break new records in pilgrimage and tourism, it stands as a living example of how faith and development can go hand in hand — redefining the spiritual and economic identity of Uttar Pradesh and setting a benchmark for the entire nation.
