NEW DELHI, Dec 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kashi Vishwanath-Ganga ghat corridor on Monday facilitating easy access for pilgrims and tourists to the holy river from the Shiva temple, one of the most famous temples in the counry. The first phase of the newly-renovated corridor and the temple complex have been completed at a cost of Rs 339 cr.

The Prime Minister, who is on a two-day visit to Varanasi, offered prayers at the Vishwanath temple and inaugurated the phase 1 of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham (corridor). Twenty-three buildings of the first phase were also inaugurated. The complex is spread over five lakh square feet against previous 3,000 square feet. The new buildings included a yatri suvidha kendra (tourist facilitation centre), vedic kendra, bhogshala, museum and a food court.

The Prime Minister took a holy dip in the Ganga and offered prayers at the Kaal Bhairav temple before inaugurating the corridor.

Inaugurating the corridor, Modi said, "The Kashi Vishwanath Complex is a reflection of our culture, tradition and progress. When you come here it is not only for faith that brings your here, this is also a place where you will take pride in the past and witness how the ancient and the present are intermingling here." He said the corridor is a symbol of India's 'Sanatan' cultural traditions. "Now, 50,000 to 75,000 devotees can come (every day) to visit the temple and its premises,” Modi said.

Speaking on the occasion, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “After 400 years, Kashi Vishwanath Dham has been revived, thanks to Hon. PM Modi Ji's resolve."

The foundation of the project was laid by Modi on March 8, 2019.

Modi represents Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. He was elected a second time from here in 2019.