Kashi Vishwanath Corridor

Recently, the Prime Minister has inaugurated Phase 1 of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi.

23 buildings – tourist facilitation centre, Vedic Kendra, Mumukshu Bhavan, Bhogshala, city museum, viewing gallery, food court among others — have been inaugurated as part of the project.

About:
- It is the massive makeover and the first after the 1780 AD when the Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore renovated the Kashi Vishwanath temple and the area surrounding it.
- The foundation was laid in March, 2019. The project was conceptualised to create an easily accessible pathway for the pilgrims, who had to meander through congested streets to take a dip in the Ganga and offering the water of the holy river at the temple.
- More than 40 ancient temples were rediscovered during the work on the project. They were restored while ensuring there is no change in the original structure.
Significance:
- It connects the iconic Kashi Vishwanath temple and the ghats along the river Ganga.
  - Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  - The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples.
- It will help boost tourism by providing the pilgrims and travellers with amenities such as wider and cleaner roads and lanes, better lighting with bright street lights, and clean drinking water.