In the 8 years of Yogi government, 79 tourism development projects in Kashi have brought about a comprehensive transformation of the city. The beautification of streets, ghats, temples and major sites including Sarnath is making Kashi a world class tourist centre.
When a city begins to shine with the glow of modern development while preserving its thousands-year-old soul, it ceases to be just a tourist destination, it becomes a living civilization. Kashi, which the world knows as Varanasi and Banaras, today stands at exactly the same point. Under the efforts of the double engine government and the guidance of the Prime Minister, the picture of ‘new and modern Kashi’ is emerging as a powerful model of development in front of the world.
In the last eight years, the Yogi Adityanath government, giving priority to the tourism development of Kashi, laid the foundation stone of 79 tourism projects at a cost of Rs 35,705.07 lakh. Many of these works have been completed while many are progressing rapidly. The effort to give Kashi a new identity on the world tourism map by combining its ancient heritage with modern facilities is now showing concrete results.
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49 completed projects: Kashi’s face changed with Rs 19219.57 lakh
According to Dinesh Kumar, Joint Director of Tourism Department, 49 tourism development works have been completed so far. These projects have given a new shape to the religious, cultural and historical heritage of Kashi.
Major completed projects
- Beautification of ancient streets of Kashi
- Modernization of ghats and better facilities for devotees
- Development of Kashi Char Dham Yatra, Kashi Vishnu Yatra, Dwadash Aditya Yatra, Nav Durga and other religious paths.
- Tourism development of five stops of Panchkroshi Yatra route
- Renovation of temples, ponds and ponds in rural areas like Rohaniya, Pindra, Shivpur.
- Light and Sound Show and Buddha Theme Park in Sarnath
- Convenience center at Sant Ravidas birthplace
- Front ghat and construction of classical ghat in Ramnagar
- cruise boat operations
- Tourism Information Center at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
- Development of Markandeya Mahadev, Sarang Nath Pond, Shooltankeshwar Temple and other religious places.
These works have established Kashi as a world class spiritual tourism center with modern facilities.
30 projects under construction: New Kashi being built at a cost of Rs 16485.5 lakh
The development work underway at the pace of the double engine government includes many major projects, which will make Kashi more attractive in the times to come.
Major Dynamic Projects
- Tourism development of Chandravati, the birthplace of Jain Tirthankar Chandraprabhu
- Upgradation of Sarang Nath Temple of Sarnath
- Manikarnika Ghat, Satua Baba Ashram and Yatri Niwas located at Domri
- Upgradation of Parade Kothi and Rahi Tourist Accommodation House
- Renovation of Sant Ravidas Park
- Development of Nishadraj Statue, Mandvi Kund and Ganesh Temple
- Seven jetties and changing rooms at seven ghats
- upgradation of gurudham temple
- Facade light on Thaivat Temple (Buddha Statue)
- Freedom Fighters Park in Karkhianv
- Work of developing Munshi Premchand’s house in Lamhi as a museum.
- Beautification of Sant Ravidas Park in Nagwa
- Tourism Development of Sant Kabir Appearance Place
All these projects are strengthening the tourism infrastructure of Kashi and are helpful in establishing it as a global attraction.
Opinion of tourism industry: Stay duration and business are increasing in Kashi.
- Vikas Aggarwal, Hotelier: “The Yogi government has made all-round development of Kashi. Due to the upgradation of small and big tourist places, tourists are now staying in Kashi for longer periods. The hotel industry is getting direct benefits from this.”
- Abhishek Sharma, Government Approved Guide, UP Tourism: “Earlier tourists were limited only to Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham and Ghats. Now due to development works, it has become easy to reach every part of the city. Facilities have improved and tourist traffic is continuously increasing.”
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