Earlier this week, the Union Cabinet had approved the rail-cum-road bridge across Ganga. The project is estimated to cost around Rs 2,642 crore and is expected to be completed within four years.

Preparations are underway in Varanasi ahead of PM Modi's visit on Sunday. Apart from these, PM Modi is expected to lay the foundation stone for the "Signature Double-Decker Bridge," which will run over the Ganga River through the Varanasi and Chaundali districts and will not only be the widest railway bridge in the country but also have a six-lane road on it.

PM Modi will inaugurate 14 projects and lay foundations for 8 more worth ₹6,600 crore in Varanasi on October 20, ensuring tight security.

The visit of India's foreign minister to Pakistan earlier this week was a "good beginning" that could lead to a thaw in relations between the two rivals, former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was quoted as saying by Indian media on Friday.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called for renewed efforts to mend ties with India. He described External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s recent visit to Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting as a “good opening” and an opportunity for both nations to move beyond their troubled history.