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Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Wednesday, 20 October, inaugurated the Kushinagar International Airport in Uttar Pradesh (UP). The airport launch comes ahead of the crucial 2022 UP Assembly elections.
"Kushinagar International Airport is the result of decades of hopes and expectations. As curious person about the spiritual journey, I have a sense of satisfaction today. As a representative of Purvanchal area, it is time for the fulfilment of a commitment," Modi said.
He further said that the airport won't just be a mode of air connectivity but would help even the farmers and local industrialists to create an ecosystem of business, tourism, and employment in the region.
The inauguration was marked by landing of the maiden flight at the airport from Colombo with a delegation of over 100 Buddhist monks and dignitaries. It includes a 12-member entourage bringing the Buddha relics for exposition.
The Kushinagar International Airport has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 260 crore.
The airport will serve the nearby districts of UP and Bihar, and will act as an important step in boosting the investment and employment opportunities in the region.
Following the inauguration event, PM Modi will visit the Mahaparinirvana temple and participate in an Abhidhamma Day event. Thereafter, he is expected to lay the foundation stones for various other developmental projects at Kushinagar's Barwa Jangal.
A notable developmental project among these is the Rajkiya Medical College, Kushinagar, which will have a 500-bed hospital and provide admissions to 100 students in MBBS course in academic session 2022-2023.
The college will be built at a cost of over Rs 280 crore.
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