PM Modi launches several projects worth Rs 6,700 crore in Varanasi | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched 23 development projects worth a total of Rs 6,700 crore from the Sports Complex in Sigra, his parliamentary constituency in Varanasi. Among these initiatives, 16 projects are valued at over Rs 3,200 crore and are specifically located in Varanasi.
Earlier, he also inaugurated the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital, which is managed by the Kanchi Math.According to sources associated with the Kanchi Math, the hospital is expected to benefit residents of 20 districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh and those in the bordering areas of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
The prime minister also inaugurated new terminal buildings at Rewa Airport, Maa Mahamaya Airport in Ambikapur, and Sarsawa Airport, which together are valued at over Rs 220 crore under regional connectivity scheme (RCS)-ude desh ka aam nagrik (UDAN).
PM Modi virtually laid the foundation stone for the Rs 1,550 crore expansion of Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri in northern West Bengal. Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for several new civil enclaves, including Agra Airport, with an investment exceeding Rs 570 crore; Darbhanga Airport, costing approximately Rs 910 crore.
According to officials, the new civil enclave at the Bagdogra Airport will feature a terminal building with an area of 70,390 sqm, designed to handle 3,000 peak hour passengers (PHP) and an annual capacity of 10 million passengers.
The project will include the construction of an apron with 10 parking bays for A-321 aircraft, two link taxiways, and a multi-level car parking facility, and these additions at Bagdogra Airport will prioritise sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly features, they said, news agency PTI reported.
The design will focus on harnessing renewable energy and optimising natural light to reduce the airport’s environmental impact, they added. The projects received approval from the Union Cabinet in August.
Located just 14 km from Siliguri, Bagdogra Airport serves as a crucial aviation hub for northern West Bengal. On a daily basis, the airport handles approximately 60 flights and caters to around 8,000 passengers.
Recently, Bagdogra Airport received the designation of a point-of-call (PoC) airport. This status allows the airport to accommodate international flights without requiring prior approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, further enhancing its operational capabilities.