Varanasi, the eternal city on the banks of the Ganga, has always been an integral part of India's spiritual identity. However, over the last seven years, under the courageous leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the city has not just retained its legacy but also embraced a wave of modern development that seems to change its very course. Since 2017, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has headed a master plan to tap the potential of the city. From tourism to infrastructure, his administration, which has focused on all these sectors, has made Varanasi the most visited city in Uttar Pradesh. It is no longer a mere centre of pilgrimage; it has emerged as a developing example of how tradition and development can go along well. Varanasi Beats Tourist Records: Varanasi Becomes the First in the Country It was during Chief Minister Yogi's time that Varanasi saw tremendous growth in the number of tourists. The city attracted 10 crore visitors last year, and this was the highest for the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. What is more astonishing, however, is the attraction for foreign tourists—13,400 foreign tourists visited the city that year to bolster its spiritual significance in the world. So essentially, Varanasi has managed to go ahead of Agra, in the count of tourists visiting it. It is not coincidental but the outcome of strategic planning by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s government to make better infrastructure, safety, and marketing of the city as a global religious hub. Religious tourism cannot remain static; it has to be dynamic and interfaced with the aspirations of modern travellers while keeping alive the sacred air that describes Varanasi. हमने बदलती हुई काशी को देखा है। गत 10 वर्षों में बदलते हुए उत्तर प्रदेश और भारत को देखा है...: #UPCM @myogiadityanath Full Video: https://t.co/08PfgNsQKh pic.twitter.com/8kyHlIVHRJ — CM Office, GoUP (@CMOfficeUP) September 17, 2024 Economic Growth Through Religious Tourism Religious tourism is turning out to be one of the main economic drivers under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's regime in Varanasi. This sector would generate ₹59 billion by 2028. Ten years ago, such projections would appear ambitious, but today they seem to reflect the current reality of this city refurbished by focused leadership. Most importantly, it provides much-needed employment opportunities. Religious tourism is expected to employ up to 14 crore people in various fields by 2030. Whether in the field of hospitality, transport, or the local arts, the city offers a lot more than just a religious hotspot. For several residents, tied into the economy by tourism, incomes are rising 20-65%. One of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's main priorities after taking office was to improve Varanasi's infrastructure and support local industries to boost the city's economy. His government has enhanced the roadways, transportation, and access to the city, while local crafts that make Varanasi unique have been promoted. The city boasts 32 Geographical Indication (G.I tag) products, from famous Banarasi silk sarees to intricate handicrafts not seen anywhere else in the world. This concentration on regional products is in tune with PM Modi's 'Make in India' but Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has localised it in ways that impact the very lifeline of thousands of persons. The Hospitality Boom: The New Story of Varanasi Modern hospitality infrastructure is exactly where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's impact can be seen. The city has seen ₹2,000 crores in annual turnover of its hotels, reflecting increasing demand for more satisfactory services. The growth stands as proof that all contradictions—the ancient traditions of Varanasi and the modern needs of tourists—are happily managed by this Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. What was once a disorganised city with ashrams and basic lodgings has under his leadership transformed into a thriving industry with top-of-the-line facilities. Thirdly, employment opportunities in the tourism sector have increased by 34.2%. This growth is explicitly a fallout of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's comprehensive vision for city development through infrastructure, security, and employment, respectively. Varanasi as a Global Spiritual Hub Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has rewritten the role of Varanasi not only in Uttar Pradesh but also across India and the world. Under this leader, the city has been opened to tourist spiritualism through plans for his safety, rule of law, and infrastructure development. Amidst all this, there is the crown jewel, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, as envisioned by PM Modi and executed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. It provides free access to the temple, thereby augmenting the spiritual experience, and will be able to accommodate millions of visitors more efficiently. Though the numbers and achievements are indeed fabulous, the vision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for Varanasi is still not complete. The new government of the city is targeted to make the city not only a tourist destination but also to emerge as a model of sustainable development. Considering the trend of increase in employment and collection of revenue, Varanasi is poised to become a symbol of religious prosperity and economic prosperity in the future. The last seven years of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have changed the fortunes of Varanasi. It is his efforts to embrace development without forsaking tradition, such that the city of light will shine even brighter in the years to come. An example of the rise of Varanasi is not just a testimony of its past but an affirmation of its future, and this promise Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is keen to fulfil.