PM Modi inaugurates six-lane widening project of the Varanasi-Prayagraj section of NH-19

November 30, 2020

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the six-lane widening project of the Varanasi – Prayagraj section of NH-19 in Varanasi. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said, “We are now seeing the outcome of the work of connectivity along with the beautification of Kashi done in the past.”

The 73-km stretch of the newly widened and six laned NH-19, made with a total outlay of Rs 2,447 crore is expected to reduce the travel time between Prayagraj and Varanasi by one hour.
Dev Deepawali, which has become a “world-famous festival” of light and fervour in Varanasi, is celebrated on every Poornima of the Kartik month. PM Modi will also attend ‘Dev Deepawali’, undertake a site visit of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor Project and also visit the Sarnath Archaeological Site.
PM added that the unprecedented work has been done on new highways, pull-flyovers, widening of roads to reduce traffic jams in and around Varanasi.
The Prime Minister remarked that farmers would benefit greatly when modern connectivity expands in the area.
He said over the years, efforts have been made to create infrastructure like cold storage along with modern roads in the villages. A fund of Rs 1 lakh crore has also been created for this.

The Prime Minister also cited an example of how the farmers are benefiting from the government’s efforts and modern infrastructure.
He said black rice was introduced 2 years ago in Chandauli to increase the income of the farmers. Last year, a farmer committee was formed and around 400 farmers were given this rice to grow in the Kharif season.
While normal rice sells for Rs 35-40 a kg, this black rice was sold for up to Rs 300 a kg. For the first time, this rice has been exported to Australia, that too at the rate of around Rs 800 per kg.