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.
"It is a great gesture by PM Modi to invite Srilankan airlines to be the first international carrier to land at Kushinagar International Airport," said Sri Lankan Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa, son of Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was also present at the event. Namal Rajapaksa led the delegation of 100 senior Buddhist monks, four ministers, and other senior officials.
More About the Kushinagar Airport
The Kushinagar International Airport has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 260 crore.
"It will facilitate domestic and international pilgrims to visit the Mahaparinirvana sthal of Lord Buddha and is an endeavour in connecting the Buddhist pilgrimage holy sites around the world," the Prime Minister's Office said in a press release.
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.
Modi To Lay Foundation Stone for Medical College, Other Developmental Projects
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.
The PM will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of 12 development projects worth over Rs 180 crore, communicated his office.
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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