Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to undertake a two-day visit to Varanasi and Kedarnath on October 24 and 25, according to his proposed schedule. The trip combines development projects and a major public event in Uttar Pradesh with a review of infrastructure work at one of Uttarakhand’s most important pilgrimage sites.
The Prime Minister will first visit Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency. He is likely to inaugurate a factory in the Sevapuri area and attend programs related to the city’s development.
The highlight of the Varanasi visit is expected to be the Indian Air Force’s aerial display, ‘Wings Over Ganges’, held over the river at Namo Ghat on October 22, 24 and 25. PM Modi is expected to watch the show on October 25, along with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
According to reports, the display will feature Rafale, Sukhoi and Tejas fighter jets, as well as the IAF’s famous Surya Kiran aerobatic team and the Sarang helicopter display team. For residents and visitors, it is a rare chance to see India’s top fighter aircraft perform over the holy river.
Security Tightened for Lakhs of Visitors
CM Adityanath recently inspected arrangements for the air show and directed officials to ensure tight security. Varanasi police are on full alert to manage VIP movement and crowds expected to run into lakhs. People planning to attend should expect traffic restrictions and security checks around Namo Ghat.
On to Kedarnath
The Prime Minister will then travel to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand on October 25 to review progress on the Kedarnath Corridor development project. He is expected to take stock of ongoing infrastructure and development works in and around the Himalayan shrine.
The focus will be on projects meant to improve facilities for pilgrims in the temple town.
A Shrine Close to the PM
Kedarnath has held a special place in the Prime Minister’s visits over the years. The temple town has seen major reconstruction work since the devastating 2013 floods, and PM Modi has personally reviewed its redevelopment on earlier trips.
Why It Matters
The visit links two of India’s most important spiritual centers, Kashi and Kedarnath, through a common theme: development of religious towns. Better infrastructure at such places affects lakhs of pilgrims and local businesses that depend on them. The air show, meanwhile, puts the IAF’s strength on display before a massive public audience in Varanasi.
What comes next
An official schedule from the Prime Minister’s Office is awaited, which will confirm the final list of projects and events during the two-day visit.
With inputs from IANS.
