LUCKNOW: While inaugurating Uttar Pradesh’s third and the country’s 87th international airport in Kushinagar on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in order to give further push to air connectivity in the country, efforts are on towards building a network of over 200 airports, heliports and water domes in the next 3-4 years.
In fact, Kushinagar International Airport is being touted as a key move to boost Buddhist pilgrimage circuit around the world as Kushinagar is the final resting place of Gautam Buddh where he attained ‘Mahaparinirvan’ (salvation).
The inauguration of the airport was marked by reception accorded to a Sri Lankan delegation of over 100 Buddhist monks and a 12-member entourage bringing the holy Buddha relics for exposition. Four cabinet ministers, led by Namal Rajapaksa, the Sri Lankan sports minister and son of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, accompanied the delegation which landed on the auspicious occasion of Vap Poya Day.
PM Modi said that the airport was a result of decades of hopes and expectations. “My happiness is two-fold today. As curious about the spiritual journey, I’ve a sense of satisfaction. As a representative of Purvanchal area, it is time for the fulfilment of a commitment,” he added.
PM Modi further said that Indian airline SpiceJet was starting a direct flight between Delhi and Kushinagar in a matter of weeks. Among those present at the ceremony were Union minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia, Uttar Pradesh governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Sri Lankan sports minister Namal Rajapaksa appreciated PM Modi’s ‘gesture’ of inviting SriLankan airlines to be the first international carrier at Kushinagar airport. “It (Kushinagar International Airport) is a great gesture of PM Modi and especially inviting SriLankan airlines to be the first international carrier to land at Kushinagar International Airport,” Namal Rajapaksa said.
Foundation laid for medical college
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated work on several development projects, including the `280-crore Rajkiya Medical College which has a capacity of 500 beds, in Kushinagar. He also laid foundation stone for 12 more projects worth `180 crore, ahead of next year’s Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.