Security stepped up in Varanasi ahead of PM Modi’s visit

The Uttar Pradesh police have increased security measures in Varanasi ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit starting Friday. ACP Atul Anjaan stated, “Proper security arrangements are made at every place be it the temple, Swatantrata Bhavan or the park. CAPF personnel are also deployed along with the Police force.”

Traffic diversions are in place, and authorities plan to regulate devotee movement to ensure smooth proceedings. PM Modi is set to visit Sant Guru Ravidas Janmasthali at around 11:15 am on Friday, where he will perform pooja and darshan. Subsequently, around 11:30 am, he will attend a public function marking the 647th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas.

Later in the day, the PM will visit Banas Kashi Sankul, a milk processing unit, and address a public function where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of various development projects worth over Rs 13,000 crore. The Banas Kashi Sankul buildings and nearby roads have been decorated with flowers and lights for the visit.

Additionally, PM Modi will participate in a programme for prize distribution to winners of Sansad Sanskrit Pratiyogita at Swatantra Sabhagar, BHU, Varanasi. He will inaugurate several projects related to tourism and spiritual tourism, including ten spiritual journeys along the Panchkoshi Parikrama Marg and the redevelopment of public facilities at five stops on the Pavan Path.

The Prime Minister, after arriving in Varanasi from Gujarat, inspected the Shivpur-Phulwaria-Lahartara marg and held a roadshow. Overall, 23 schemes worth Rs 10,972 crore are set to be launched, and the foundation stone for 12 schemes worth Rs 2,195.07 crore will be laid during his visit.