PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate Phase 1 of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham on Monday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit his constituency Varanasi on Monday and inaugurate the first phase of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, said a press release by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Sunday.

Constructed at a cost of around Rs 339 crores, the renovation project seeks to provide a variety of facilities to the pilgrims visiting Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, including Yatri Suvidha Kendras, Tourist Facilitation Centre, Vedic Kendra, Mumukshu Bhavan, Bhogshala, City Museum, Viewing Gallery, Food Court, among others.

“At around 1 PM on 13 December, Prime Minister will visit Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and offer prayers, after which he will inaugurate phase 1 of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, constructed at a cost of around Rs 339 crores,” said the release.  

According to the release, Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham was conceptualised as a project to create an easily accessible pathway to connect Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the banks of the River Ganga.

To kickstart the work, the foundation stone of the project was laid by the Prime Minister on March 8, 2019.

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“The project was designed to provide easy access for the disabled and old age people with provision of ramps, escalators, and other modern facilities,” the release added.

A total of 23 buildings will be inaugurated in the phase 1 of the project. The project is spread over an area of about 5 lakh square feet against the earlier premises of 3000 square feet, the release said.

The project involved purchase and acquisitions of more than 300 properties around the temple. It also involved the rehabilitation of around 1400 shopkeepers, tenants and homeowners.

Notably, 40 ancient temples, which were discovered during the course of the project, have been restored.

“..During the process of destruction of the old properties, more than 40 ancient temples were rediscovered. These temples have been restored and beautified, while ensuring that there is no change in the original structure,” the press release noted.