Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in visit Varanasi on Monday to inaugurate phase 1 of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, constructed at a cost of around Rs 339 crores. 

Upon arrival, PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath travelled in a double-decker boat to Lalita Ghat from Khirkiya Ghat to visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple. The prime minister offered prayers, took a holy dip in the Ganga river in Varanasi.

#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi offers prayers, takes a holy dip in Ganga river in Varanasi

The PM is scheduled to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and inaugurate the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project later today

(Video: DD) pic.twitter.com/esu5Y6EFEg

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A total of 23 buildings will be inaugurated in phase 1 of the project. They will 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.

The project involved the purchase and acquisition of more than 300 properties around Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. In this endeavour, the rehabilitation of around 1400 shopkeepers, tenants and homeowners were done amicably. 

To facilitate the pilgrims and devotees of Baba Vishwanath, who had to encounter congested streets and surroundings with poor upkeep, when they practised the age-old custom of taking a dip in the holy river, collecting Gangajal and offering it at the temple. 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 8th March 2019.

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