PM Modi inaugurates Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the first phase of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Earlier in the day, he took a holy dip in the Ganga river and offered prayers. The ambitious project links the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Ganga ghats. Here are more details on this.
Context
Why does it matter?
The project is important for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and PM Modi as Varanasi is his parliamentary constituency. Further, the inauguration comes just months before the crucial UP Assembly elections. The polls will be held in early 2022 and set the stage for the next general elections. PM Modi had launched the project in March 2018.
Project
23 buildings in project's first phase
The first phase of the project comprises 23 buildings spread over an area of nearly five lakh square feet. It has been built at a cost of Rs. 399 crore, reported Hindustan Times. The corridor project is aimed at easing down pedestrian movement for pilgrims, reducing waiting and walking time, and improving crowd management at the temple.
Quote
'A landmark day'
"13th December is a landmark day. At a special programme in Kashi, the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham project will be inaugurated. This will add to Kashi's spiritual vibrancy (sic)," PM Modi had tweeted on Sunday.
Inauguration
3,000 seers, a dozen CMs to be present
A grand ceremony has been planned for Monday. It will feature 55 high-definition cameras, four jimmy jibs, and a drone, according to news agency Press Trust of India. More than 3,000 seers, artistes, and the Chief Ministers of a dozen BJP-ruled states will be present at the event, India Today reported.
Rehabilitation
1,400 people rehabilitated
Around 1,400 people - shopkeepers, tenants, and homeowners - were rehabilitated during the construction of the project, as per a government statement. Nearly 300 properties were acquired around the temple premises. The government says that during the demolition of old properties, more than 40 ancient temples were rediscovered. They have since been restored and beautified.