Sun Oct 20 21:03:11 UTC 2024: On October 20, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency, where he inaugurated the RJ Sankara eye hospital and announced various developmental projects totaling ₹6,100 crore. Key highlights of his visit include:

1. **Airport Development**: Modi laid the foundation stone for runway expansion and a new terminal building at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, with an estimated investment of ₹2,870 crore.
2. **Infrastructure Initiatives**: He is set to launch multiple projects to improve infrastructure and connectivity, including the construction of civil enclaves at Agra, Darbhanga, and Bagdogra airports, with allocations of ₹570 crore, ₹910 crore, and ₹1,550 crore respectively.
3. **New Terminal Buildings**: The inauguration of new terminal buildings at Rewa, Maa Mahamaya, Ambikapur, and Sarsawa airports, totaling over ₹220 crore, aims to increase passenger handling capacity to more than 2.3 crore annually.
4. **Sports Development**: Modi inaugurated phases 2 and 3 of the redevelopment of the Varanasi Sports Complex, a ₹210 crore facility that will include a National Centre of Excellence and various sports amenities.
5. **Tourism Initiatives**: Plans to enhance the tourism sector, particularly related to the Buddhist pilgrimage in Sarnath, include improvements to infrastructure such as pathways and sewer systems to support local artisans.
6. **Warm Welcome**: Prior to his arrival, over 500 party banners and flags were displayed across the city to welcome the Prime Minister.

Overall, Modi’s visit focused on significant investments aimed at infrastructure development and enhancing the region’s tourism and sports facilities.

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