Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit his parliamentary constituency on April 28, with officials compiling lists of projects ready for inauguration and other projects for foundation-laying ceremonies.So far, 48 projects of Rs 6,784 crore in both categories have been included. The list will be finalised by the chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, during his visit to the city next week. Among the major projects for which the PM will lay the foundation stone, the proposed double-decker bridge over the Ganga parallel to the iconic Malviya Bridge is at the top.Major projects ready for inauguration are the Kajjakpura railway overbridge, Bhagwanpur sewage treatment plant and remodelled yard area of Varanasi Junction (Cantt railway station). Movement of vehicles on the Kajjakpur flyover has already started.The list of projects for which PM Modi will lay the foundation comprises the Rs 2,642 crore signature double-decker bridge on river Ganga with four railway tracks and a six-lane road. The Union Cabinet had approved this project in Oct 2024. New multi-storey buildings of Varanasi Municipal Corporation, with its house and integrated commissioner complex area, are also on the list. Immediately after formal foundation laying, works on all these projects will be started with accelerated pace, officials said.The value of projects included in inauguration and foundation laying categories reached Rs 6,784 crore, officials said, mentioning the figures may vary in case more projects are included or any project is excluded from the ready list following review by PMO and chief minister.Preparations for the PM’s proposed visit were evident on the ground as Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal, DM Satyendra Kumar, and officials from multiple departments spent hours inspecting probable sites for his public meetings on Friday evening. The officials declined to comment on the dates and duration of his stay, saying the final itinerary is still awaited. The police commissioner also inspected the helipad, parking area, VVIP entry gate, drop-off zone and surrounding areas, and directed that all arrangements be kept in proper order.
