PM inaugurates first phase of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor

Context

Prime Minister inaugurated Phase 1 of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project in Uttar Pradesh’s ancient city Varanasi.

About the project

• This project aims to create an easily accessible pathway between Kashi Vishwanath Temple and banks of Ganga River.
• Foundation stone for the project was laid on March 8, 2019.
• The project is spread across 5 lakh square feet area, comprising more than 40 ancient temples restored and beautified. 
• Phase 1 of the project is to be constructed at a cost of around Rs 339 crore. 
• A total 23 buildings will be inaugurated, including a Tourist Facilitation Centre, Mumukshu Bhavan, Bhogshala, City Museum, Viewing Gallery and Food Court.
• ??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.

About Kashi Vishwanath Temple

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. 
• It is located in Vishwanath Gali of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh in India. 
• The Temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva Temples.
• The temple that encapsulates the vision of the Holkar queen of Indore, Ahalya Bai Holkar, who created a series of temples and vistas leading up to the Ganga ghat.