Nestled along the sacred banks of the Ganges, Varanasi, also known as Kashi, stands as a timeless testament to India's rich cultural lineage. For centuries, it has been a guiding light of knowledge, spirituality, and diverse heritage, drawing seekers from every corner of the country. In the last 10 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a transformative journey to elevate Varanasi to new heights of progress, focusing on enhancing the city's tourism potential and bolstering its tourist infrastructure.

GangaVilas Cruise: A River Journey of Splendor

PM Modi inaugurated the world's longest river water journey, the MV Ganga Vilas cruise, heralding a monumental shift in India's river cruise tourism landscape. This remarkable journey, spanning from Kashi to Dibrugarh, shines a spotlight on the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of India, placing many tourist destinations prominently on the world tourism map. The cruise offers a unique opportunity for travellers to immerse themselves in the enchanting landscapes and cultural treasures along the Ganges, fostering a deeper appreciation for India's diverse tapestry. With the launch of this service, the vast untapped potential of river cruises is also set to be unlocked, paving the way for a vibrant and thriving river cruise tourism industry in the country.

Tent City: A Modern Oasis on the Banks of the Ganges

A testament to Varanasi's rich history and spiritual essence, the Tent City has been inaugurated on the banks of the River Ganga. Developed opposite the city's iconic ghats, this project aims to tap into the region's immense tourism potential. Operated by the Varanasi Development Authority in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the Tent City offers luxurious accommodation facilities to cater to the growing influx of tourists. Visitors can reach the Tent City via boats from various Ghats nearby, offering a serene and picturesque journey. Operating from October to June annually, the Tent City promises a unique blend of modernity, spirituality, and faith, providing an unforgettable experience for tourists.

The Ropeway Revolution: Enhancing Accessibility and Charm

Looking towards the future, PM Modi unveiled a new ropeway project that promises to revolutionize travel within the city. This ambitious project, estimated at Rs. 645 crores, will span a length of 3.75 km with five stations along the route. Once completed, the ropeway will drastically reduce travel time between Banaras Cantt Railway Station and the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, making it a matter of mere minutes. This transformative project will not only enhance convenience for tourists and pilgrims, but also alleviate traffic congestion, ensuring smoother commutes and unhindered exploration of the city's treasures.

Embracing Innovation: The Unified Tourist Pass System

Under the Smart City Mission, PM Modi announced the launch of a dedicated website for detailed tourist information (https://kashi.gov.in/) and the Unified Tourist Pass System. This innovative platform will provide tourists with a single platform for ticket booking, encompassing attractions such as the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Ganga Cruise, and the mesmerizing light and sound show at Sarnath. The integrated QR code services offered by the Unified Tourist Pass System will streamline the tourist experience, offering a seamless and hassle-free journey through Varanasi's cultural wonders.

Revitalizing Varanasi's Iconic Ghats

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the redesigning and redevelopment of the iconic Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats, iconic symbols of Varanasi's spiritual and cultural heritage. The redevelopment plans include provisions for public conveniences, waiting areas, wood storage facilities, waste disposal mechanisms, and eco-friendly cremation pyres. These initiatives will not only enhance the visitor experience but also ensure the preservation and sustainability of Varanasi's sacred ghats for generations to come.

Empowering Kashi's Tourist Guides

Recognizing the pivotal role of local residents as the true ambassadors of Kashi, PM Modi started a groundbreaking initiative to enhance the quality of tourist guides in the city. Through the Kashi Saansad Tourist Guide competition, the Prime Minister aims to equip residents with the necessary skills to showcase the city's rich history, heritage, and spiritual essence to the world. This initiative not only aims to promote tourism but also creates valuable employment opportunities for the city's youth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PM Modi's visionary initiatives in tourism and tourist infrastructure are set to redefine Varanasi as a beacon of cultural heritage, spirituality, and modernity. Through these transformative efforts, Varanasi is poised to emerge as a global tourist destination for seekers of culture, spirituality, and timeless beauty - a place where history, spirituality, and innovation converge to create an unforgettable experience for all who visit.