Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of Gorakhpur railway station redevelopment project on Friday afternoon and also attend the centenary celebration of the prestigious Gita Press, known for its global recognition in publishing ancient literature.
This will be the first visit by any prime minister to Gita Press.
Gita Press, Gorakhpur, was honoured with the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2021. However, the organisation declined the accompanying cash reward of Rs 1 crore, suggesting that the government allocate the amount to other deserving causes, while accepting the award itself.
The Gandhi Peace Prize, established in 1995, includes a cash prize of Rs 1 crore, a citation, a plaque, and a traditional handicraft/handloom item. Although declining the cash reward, Gita Press expressed gratitude for receiving the citation.
During his visit to Gorakhpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the Vande Bharat Express train and will also lay the foundation stone for the remodeling project of the railway station, costing Rs 693 crore.
The prime minister will arrive in Gorakhpur on Friday afternoon. Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will welcome him.
Prime Minister Modi will also unveil a special edition of colourful illustrations published on art paper of Shri Shiv Mahapuran.
After the programme at Gita Press, Modi will proceed to Gorakhpur railway station. From there, he will flag off the Vande Bharat Express train that will run between Gorakhpur to Lucknow via Ayodhya.
The prime minister will also lay the foundation stone for the remodeling project of the railway station, which aims to combine high-tech modernity with heritage. After the completion of this Rs 693-crore project, the building of the station, along with Gita Press and Gorakhnath Temple, will be equipped with facilities similar to airports and shopping malls
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reached Gorakhpur and reviewed the preparations made for the prime minister’s visit. He went to the Gorakhpur railway station as well as the venue of the Gita Press.