Heavy security deployed ahead of PM Modi's visit to Varanasi

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 20 : Heavy security has been deployed in Varanasi ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on Sunday where he will lay the foundation for several development projects worth approximately Rs 6,100 crore.
Swapna Vishwakarma expressed the city's excitement about the Prime Minister's visit, emphasising the significance of the Varanasi Sports Complex inauguration, which she believes will help fulfil the dreams of local children.
Speaking to ANI, Swapna said, "The entire city is excited about the PM's visit. His inauguration of the Varanasi Sports Complex will help realise the dreams of children and aid us in reaching the Olympics."
Rajnish, another local resident, remarked that the Prime Minister consistently prioritises the development of Varanasi, and this visit will support aspiring athletes in achieving new milestones.
"The PM always prioritises the development of Varanasi, and today, his visit and the inauguration of the sports complex will help athletes reach new heights. We are pleased that he has taken such steps," Rajnish said.
Kaushal Raj Sharma, the Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi, stated that PM Modi would lay the foundation stone for 23 projects in the city.
As part of his vision to provide world-class sports infrastructure, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Phases 2 and 3 of the redevelopment of the Varanasi Sports Complex, worth over Rs 210 crore, under the 'Khelo India' scheme and the Smart City Mission.
The project aims to create a state-of-the-art facility featuring a National Centre of Excellence, players' hostels, a sports science centre, practice fields for various sports, indoor shooting ranges, and combat sports arenas, among other amenities.
During his visit, PM Modi will also unveil multiple airport projects worth over Rs 6,100 crore. At around 2 pm, he will inaugurate the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital, which will offer comprehensive consultations and treatments for various eye conditions. The Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion.
Additionally, he will lay the foundation stone for the New Civil Enclave at Agra Airport, worth more than Rs 570 crore, as well as for Darbhanga Airport, costing around Rs 910 crore, and Bagdogra Airport, at approximately Rs 1,550 crore.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate new terminal buildings at Rewa Airport, Maa Mahamaya Airport in Ambikapur, and Sarsawa Airport, collectively valued at over Rs 220 crore. These airports will collectively increase their passenger handling capacity to more than 23 million annually, according to the release.
The designs of these airports are inspired by elements of the region's heritage structures.