On October 20, 2024, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for several significant infrastructure projects. These include the runway expansion and construction of a new terminal at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, valued at approximately Rs 2,870 crore. Similar projects were initiated at other airports, including the New Civil Enclave at Agra Airport (Rs 570 crore), Darbhanga Airport (Rs 910 crore), and Bagdogra Airport (Rs 1550 crore).
In addition, the Prime Minister inaugurated new terminal buildings at Rewa Airport, Maa Mahamaya Airport, Ambikapur, and Sarsawa Airport, with a combined cost of over Rs 220 crore. These upgrades will increase the passenger handling capacity of these airports to more than 23 million annually, and their designs incorporate elements of the region’s heritage.
In the sports sector, the Prime Minister inaugurated Phases 2 and 3 of the redevelopment of the Varanasi Sports Complex, costing over Rs 210 crore. Under the Khelo India scheme and Smart City Mission, this project will establish a state-of-the-art sports facility, including a National Centre of Excellence, hostels for players, a sports science centre, practice fields, indoor shooting ranges, and combat sports. Additional sports infrastructure, such as a 100-bed hostel and public pavilion at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Sports Stadium in Lalpur, was also inaugurated.
In tourism, the Prime Minister launched various initiatives in Sarnath, including upgrades to pedestrian streets, drainage systems, and vending zones to promote local handicrafts. Similar projects were also inaugurated at Banasur Temple and Gurudham Temple, along with the beautification of parks.
During his address, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of these development projects for Kashi, mentioning the earlier inauguration of RJ Sankara Eye Hospital, which will benefit children and the elderly. He emphasized that the projects in education, skill development, sports, healthcare, and tourism would enhance services and generate employment opportunities for the youth. He also recalled participating in the Abhidhamma Diwas and emphasized the recent recognition of Pali and Prakrit as classical languages. The Prime Minister concluded by congratulating the people of Kashi and India on these developmental initiatives.
