Agencies / Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first ever diesel to electric converted locomotive twin engine of ten thousand Horse Power at DLW Varanasi. He also inspected an exhibition on locomotives at DLW campus. Such locomotives will be more economical and will increase the speed of goods trains.

Laying the foundation stone of Ravidas Janmasthali area development project in Varanasi, the Prime Minister said all should get benefits of government schemes irrespective of caste, creed and other factors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked Sant Ravidas on his birth anniversary to urge people to end caste discrimination and identify those who promote it for self-interest.

Mr Modi said caste discrimination is an impediment in achieving social harmony.

He said Guru Ravidas envisioned an India where there is no discrimination and that everyone is taken care of. Mr Modi said his government has worked on this principle in the last four-and-a-half years for the betterment of the people and the country’s development. He hoped that the teachings of great saints inspire the young generation.

Mr Modi said his government focused on “panchdharma” (five tenets), with emphasis on education, income, medicine, irrigation and addressing public grievances. Mr Modi said his government tried to change Chalta hai mentality that had crept in people.

Mr Modi also dedicated two hospitals, newly constructed Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya cancer hospital at BHU and Bhabha cancer hospital, Lahartara worth rupees 1140 crores.

With the inauguration of both cancer hospitals, Varanasi becomes an important centre for quality treatment and care in Cancer-related ailments. These hospitals will bring comprehensive yet affordable cancer care to the patients not only in Uttar Pradesh, but also from other states like Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttarakhand and, even, neighbouring countries like Nepal.

City Command and Control Center and sewerage treatment plants will transform the shape of the town and help to make Kashi Smart City. Mr Modi will attend a programme at BHU campus later today.