VARANASI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic moment in Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh, as he laid the foundation stone for an impressive international cricket stadium on a sprawling 30-acre site. The grand event witnessed the presence of cricketing icons such as Ravi Shastri, Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Dilip Vengsarkar, alongside several other distinguished guests. The ambitious project, with an estimated budget of approximately Rs 450 crores, is set to redefine sports infrastructure in the region.

Drawing inspiration from the divine aura of Lord Shiva, the stadium's design exudes a spiritual charm. Its architectural elements include a crescent-shaped roof, floodlights resembling Lord Shiva's trident, seating reminiscent of the ghats along the sacred Ganges, and facade embellishments in the shape of Bilvapatra leaves. With a projected seating capacity of 30,000 spectators, this stadium aspires to become a global cricketing hub.

In the words of the Prime Minister's Office, "The international cricket stadium in Varanasi symbolizes a significant stride towards realizing the Prime Minister's vision of fostering world-class sports infrastructure. Nestled in the enchanting locale of Ganjari, Rajatalab, Varanasi, this modern marvel promises to be a beacon of progress."

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi expressed his eagerness to partake in various programs held in the sacred city of Kashi, named after the revered Baba Vishwanath. He highlighted the transformative impact of these projects on the development journey of Varanasi and the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. Besides inaugurating the cricket stadium, the Prime Minister also had the honor of inaugurating 16 Atal Residential Schools, and he graced the closing ceremony of the Kashi Sansad Cultural Mahotsav.

The Prime Minister's busy schedule also included participation in the closing ceremony of the Kashi Sansad Sanskritik Mahotsav 2023, held at the Rudraksh International Cooperation and Convention Centre. Additionally, he dedicated 16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalaya institutions spread across Uttar Pradesh to the nation. These residential schools, constructed at a combined cost of approximately Rs 1,115 crore, were established exclusively to provide education and support to the children of laborers, construction workers, and those orphaned by the COVID-19 pandemic. Each school boasts well-equipped classrooms, sports facilities, recreational areas, a mini auditorium, hostel complexes, mess facilities, and residential quarters for the staff.

Going deeper into the details of the cricket stadium project, it's worth noting that the Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, allocated Rs 121 crore for the acquisition of the stadium's land. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to invest Rs 330 crore in the construction of this state-of-the-art sports arena.
The international cricket stadium in Varanasi is more than just a sports venue; it embodies the spirit of progress and cultural significance. As it takes shape in this holy city, it is poised to become a symbol of modernity and excellence in the world of cricket.

PM Modi Highlights Efforts to Simplify Laws, Promote Vernacular Language Usage

PM Modi Inaugurates International Lawyers' Conference in New Delhi