Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated development projects worth over Rs1,050 crore in Varanasi, while also laying the foundation stone for additional projects valued at around Rs 5,300 crore.

The initiatives are part of a broader push to strengthen infrastructure and public services in the Prime Minister’s parliamentary constituency.

Focus on infrastructure and connectivity

According to official details, a total of 48 completed projects were inaugurated, covering key sectors such as road connectivity, rail infrastructure and urban services.

Among the major highlights is the widening of the Varanasi-Azamgarh road, aimed at easing traffic flow and improving regional connectivity.

Additionally, new rail over bridges at Kazzakpura and Kadipur have been opened to reduce congestion and enhance transport efficiency in the city.

Urban development and public utilities

The Prime Minister also inaugurated a sewage treatment plant in Bhagwanpur with a capacity of 55 million litres per day, targeting improved sanitation and water management in the region.

These projects are expected to support long-term urban development and improve quality of life for residents.

Foundation laid for larger development push

In addition to the inaugurated works, Modi laid the foundation stone for 112 new projects worth around Rs 5,300 crore.

The upcoming projects span multiple sectors and are aimed at further strengthening infrastructure, boosting economic activity, and supporting urban expansion in Varanasi.

Financial support to dairy farmers

During the visit, the Prime Minister also announced a financial boost for dairy farmers by transferring over Rs 105 crore as bonus payments to milk suppliers associated with Banas Dairy in Uttar Pradesh.

Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has been sentenced to one month in jail by a court in Sindhudurg in connection with a 2019 incident in which an engineer of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was assaulted by being covered in mud during a protest.

The court held Rane guilty of insulting and humiliating a public servant during an inspection of the Mumbai-Goa highway, where he had raised concerns over poor road conditions.

Court says lawmakers cannot take law into their own hands

While delivering the verdict, the court observed that elected representatives are expected to uphold the law and not engage in acts that undermine public officials. It noted that even if the intention was to highlight public grievances, such actions cannot be justified.

The judge also emphasised that such conduct could discourage public servants from performing their duties with dignity if left unchecked.

Sentence suspended, appeal likely

Soon after pronouncing the sentence, the court suspended the one-month imprisonment, allowing Rane time to challenge the conviction in a higher court.

In the same case, 29 other accused were acquitted due to lack of sufficient evidence.

Background of the case

The incident dates back to 2019 when Rane, then in the opposition, led a protest over the poor condition of the Mumbai-Goa highway. During the demonstration, an NHAI engineer was allegedly restrained and mud was poured on him in public.

The case had led to multiple charges, including assault on a public servant and criminal conspiracy, though the court did not find enough evidence to sustain most of these charges.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the proposed India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a “landmark moment” in the relationship between the two countries, highlighting its potential to deepen economic engagement.

Speaking on the development, Mr Modi said the ongoing efforts towards a trade pact reflect growing trust, shared values and common ambitions between India and New Zealand. He noted that closer economic cooperation is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral ties.

The discussions around the agreement are aimed at strengthening trade and investment flows, while expanding collaboration across sectors such as agriculture, technology, education and innovation. According to the Prime Minister, enhanced engagement could create new opportunities for businesses, professionals and students.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also described the development as a significant step forward, stating that stronger trade ties could support economic growth and improve market access for exporters in both countries.

Officials indicated that the proposed framework is expected to facilitate smoother trade flows and encourage sectoral cooperation, while contributing to long-term economic partnership.

Mr Modi added that advancing trade relations with New Zealand aligns with India’s broader global economic strategy and could help unlock new opportunities, strengthening ties between the two nations.