PM Narendra Modi inaugurates convention centre, 'Rudrakash' in UP's Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones of multiple development projects in Varanasi on Thursday. The projects are worth more than Rs 1,500 crore at the IIT-BHU ground. Later in the day, he also inaugurated the International Cooperation and Convention Center, 'Rudrakash', which has been constructed with Japanese assistance.

The inauguration program included various public projects. It consisted of a 100-bed MCH wing in BHU, multi-level parking at Godauliya, Ro-Ro vessels for tourism development on river Ganga and a three-lane flyover bridge on the Varanasi-Ghazipur highway.

It is constructed in the Sigra area of Varanasi over three acres of land at a cost of nearly Rs 200 crore. 

The ‘Rudraksh’ center has been positioned as an ideal location to host all types of international conventions, concerts and exhibitions in order to strengthen the city’s competitiveness by developing its tourism sector. It comprises a main hall with a tower, meeting rooms and a spacious parking area that can accommodate as many as 120 cars.

The roof of the building has been constructed to resemble the Shiva Linga. At night, the entire building will glow with LED lights. The gallery showcases Varanasi’s distinct culture and heritage, with murals depicting its art and music. If required, the main hall can be partitioned into smaller spaces for events.

‘Rudraksh’ was built keeping the environment in mind, and will be fit for fit for Level 3 of Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA), officials said. It will also be equipped with adequate security and safety systems, with a regular entrance, a service entrance and a separate VIP entrance.