From Pilgrimage Destination to Smart City: Varanasi’s Development Journey
Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banaras, is one of the oldest living cities in the world, situated on the banks of river Ganges in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The city is known for its centuries-old culture, traditions, and spirituality, and has been a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus for ages. However, in recent years, Varanasi has undergone a transformation from being just a pilgrimage destination to a smart city that is attracting global attention. Let’s take a look at the journey of Varanasi’s development. From Pilgrimage Destination to Smart City: Varanasi’s Development Journey
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Most Famous Ghat in Varanasi
Furthermore, Varanasi has been working on reviving and restoring the city’s cultural heritage by restoring old monuments, temples, and ghats. The city has started sound and light shows at the Dashashwamedh Ghat, which is the oldest and most famous ghat in Varanasi. The city also plans to set up museums and art galleries to promote the city’s rich cultural heritage. From Pilgrimage Destination to Smart City: Varanasi’s Development Journey
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Varanasi Smart City Mission
Varanasi’s development journey started in 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also the Member of Parliament from Varanasi, launched the Varanasi Smart City Mission. The mission aimed to transform Varanasi into a world-class smart city by focusing on digital infrastructure, transportation, waste management, and renewable energy. From Pilgrimage Destination to Smart City: Varanasi’s Development Journey
Significant Developments in Varanasi
One of the significant developments in Varanasi’s smart city journey has been the modernization of the city’s transportation system. The city has introduced electric buses, e-rickshaws, and battery-operated boats that would replace the traditional boats used to ferry passengers through the famous ghats of the Ganges river. The battery-operated boats have been a significant relief, as they run for eight hours without any emissions, reducing pollution levels and noise pollution in the area. From Pilgrimage Destination to Smart City: Varanasi’s Development Journey
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Modern Technology
Another significant development in Varanasi’s smart city journey has been the setting up of a large-scale solid waste management plant. The plant spread over 67 acres uses modern technology to manage waste and generate electricity. In addition, the city has set up a decentralized composting system in different neighborhoods to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. From Pilgrimage Destination to Smart City: Varanasi’s Development Journey
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Pilgrimage Destination to Smart City
As Varanasi keeps evolving into a smart city, it’s no surprise that the government has planned to put in INR 30,000 crores ($4 billion) of investments under the Smart City Mission. With the development of modern infrastructure and digital amenities, Varanasi is likely to attract not just pilgrims but also tourists and businesses from across the globe. From Pilgrimage Destination to Smart City: Varanasi’s Development Journey
University and a Multi-Specialty Hospital
Varanasi is also focusing on education and healthcare by setting up a world-class university and a multi-specialty hospital. The medical tourism sector is also expected to see growth once the government completes the construction of the upcoming International Airport, which will allow global visitors to connect seamlessly. From Pilgrimage Destination to Smart City: Varanasi’s Development Journey
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey of Varanasi’s development from a pilgrimage destination to a smart city is a remarkable example of how technology and modernization can coexist with ancient culture and traditions. The city’s development not only puts it on the global map but also has the potential to uplift the lives of its citizens and bring economic prosperity. From Pilgrimage Destination to Smart City: Varanasi’s Development Journey
