In Varanasi, Modi once again invokes tourism

While support to the Covid-19 hit tourism and hospitality sectors of India may not figure in the government’s agenda, as yet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sure seems to know how crucial tourism is for the upliftment of the community at large. While inaugurating a six-lane widening project of the Varanasi-Prayagraj section of NH-19 in the PM’s Lok Sabha constituency, Modi went on to say that better facilities also help to encourage tourism in and around the areas. Stressing on the importance of connectivity, the PM said, “Whether it is a place related to faith or any specific work, people definitely see how easy it is to get there before going anywhere. Such facilities also encourage indigenous and foreign tourists, all types of tourists and devotees. Good roads, good railroads, good and cheap air facilities provide convenience to every section of the society.” Talking about the various projects that have been initiated in Varanasi, Modi said that while the road connecting the city to the airport has become the hallmark of development work in the city today, the connectivity of the railway station has also improved. He also pointed out the ongoing work at Ring Road Phase-2 and remarked that with its completion, heavy vehicles coming from Sultanpur, Azamgarh and Ghazipur will be able to directly exit this new six lane highway without entering the city. He added, “At the same time, efforts are being made to complete the construction work on the other highways soon. With the construction of these highways, travel to Varanasi, Lucknow, Azamgarh and Gorakhpur will become easier.”