SK Narvar, Capital India Corp Chairman believes that the Kashi-Vishwanath corridor is a great example set by PM Modi on retaining Indian culture and heritage while bettering the civic infrastructure. It is a practical guide on resurrecting an ancient city like Varanasi without destroying its culture and ethos.

His views on the interview are as below:

Ques: How do you view PM Modi’s dream project of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor?

S K Narvar, Chairman, Capital India Corp: The Kashi-Vishwanath Corridor Project is a unique example whereby Indian heritage is being showcased to the world in a modern way retaining the age-old spiritual fervour of the place. Today development is more seen as bulldozing the past (structures) and building new concrete high-rises based on western architecture – this will set an example for the revival of many more Indian cities and places in a meaningful manner.

As PM Modi wonderfully articulated, this project is a beautiful meeting point of embracing the old and adopting the new.

Ques: How will the project benefit the local people of Varanasi?

S K Narvar: Any development work ultimately touches the local people and benefits them in a socio-economic manner. The project aims to elevate the (customer) experience of the pilgrims and tourists when they visit the key iconic places like the ghats, temples and surrounding areas. It will increase the tourist and pilgrim inflow in the city with better facilities. It will become a preferred destination benefitting the local economy, especially the crafts, artisans, and other traditions facing oblivion.

With the first phase of the project costing Rs. 339 crores spread over a 5 lakh square feet area with 23 buildings, it has benefitted the locals with additional employment and income generation opportunities.

Ques: What is the larger vision behind such projects?

S. K Narvar: Narendra Modi has been a great votary of preserving and showcasing India’s rich culture and heritage to the world and the new generation of Indians. Most Indian heritage cities, especially pilgrimage and holy places, have crumbling infrastructure. The project connects the iconic Kashi Vishwanath temple directly to the ghats along the Ganga river. Previously devotees had to make do through narrow and congested lanes.

The larger vision is to retain such places’ religious and cultural heritage intact and modernise the civic infrastructure to ensure a better pilgrim and visitor experience. We can implement the successful model across Indian cities and towns to revive our forgotten heritage, customs and practices. We should not forget that Indian civilisation is one of the oldest and richest in this world. It is an attempt by PM Modi to bring back the glory and re-establish India as a force in terms of political leadership, cultural knowledge and spiritual practices.

Ques: Do you see this as a political move, or does it have real benefits?

S K Narvar: As a business leader, I don’t view this as a political move; instead, it has significant business benefits. A key gainer will be the tourism industry which has seen severe setbacks due to the pandemic. Alongside tourism, local employment generation will get a boost. With COVID19 international travel restrictions, this move will benefit the domestic tourism industry in a significant manner.

When tourism grows, it has a ripple effect; airlines, road & train travel, forex & banks (ATM), food outlets (both local and multi-city brands), mobile companies, etc., all benefit. And remember, with a better experience that is key to Modiji’s vision, visitors will be ready to pay a premium for the services, which ultimately will benefit the local economy.

Ques: What message does the Kashi-Vishwanath corridor have for the international community?

S K Narvar: Such projects go a long way in building India as a preferred tourism destination internationally. India is a multi-cultural country, and for example, it will benefit the visitors to the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sarnath, which falls under Varanasi. Moreover, Buddhist travellers from countries like Japan and other countries will find it attractive to visit the temple-town with its improved civic infrastructure.

Examples of global business leaders like Steve Jobs (Apple), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook) having visited Indian temples, and the Beatles visiting India to learn meditation are well-documented. Hence, I believe India is ready to welcome global tourists to immerse them with beautiful cultural experiences with an improved infrastructure of our historic cities.