the foundation stone of important projects, cumulatively worth over Rs. 900 crores, in Varanasi. Among the projects inaugurated are the Varanasi City Gas Distribution Project and the Varanasi-Ballia MEMU train. The foundation stone was laid for the PanchkoshiParikrama Marg, and several projects under the Smart City Mission and NamaamiGange.

Varanasi is emerging as a centre for medical science in the region. BHU will work with AIIMS to develop a world-class health institute. Kashi is emerging as an important international tourist destination. In this context, he mentioned the International Convention Centre, the Foundation Stone for which was laid. Smart City Initiative is not just a mission to improve infrastructure in cities, but also a mission to give India a new identity. That 8000 houses in Varanasi have already received piped cooking gas connections.