PM Modi inaugurates Kushinagar airport, hails UP as land with ‘pilgrimages at every step’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new international airport at Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh and said his government has taken a number of steps to instill new energy in the aviation sector. The new airport, built at an estimated cost of Rs 260 crore, is part of the government's endeavour to connect Buddhist pilgrimage sites around the world. (PTI)

The new Kushinagar airport's terminal building is spread across 3,600 square metres. It has been developed by the Airports Authority of India in association with the Uttar Pradesh government. The new terminal can handle 300 passengers during peak hours. Modi is seen here with Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju, Jyotiraditya Scindia, G Kishan Reddy and Arjun Ram Meghwal, UP Governor Anandiben Patel, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during the inauguration of the Kushinagar International Airport. (PTI)

The inauguration of the Kushinagar International Airport was marked by the landing of a flight from the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, bringing a Sri Lankan delegation of over 100 Buddhist monks and dignitaries. The airport will help in attracting more followers of Buddhism from home and abroad to Kushinagar and will enhance the development of a Buddhist theme-based circuit, according to the aviation ministry. (PTI)

Modi said the airport will boost connectivity and tourism, while also helping develop an entire economic ecosystem in the region and create new job opportunities. He said the government's special attention to the development of places associated with Lord Buddha and developing Kushinagar are among the top priority areas for the UP and central governments. (Express photo)

Addressing people at the airport inauguration, Modi said, "Even today, when someone enters Parliament (of India), they see the mantra 'Dharma Chakra Pravartaanye'." (PTI)

PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for the Rajkiya Medical College in Kushinagar, which will be built at a cost of over Rs 280 crore. The medical college will have a 500-bed hospital, and it will admit 100 students in its MBBS course from the academic session 2022-2023. Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 12 development projects worth over Rs 180 crore. (Express photo)

Modi described Uttar Pradesh as a land whose contributions will last forever, and said it is a region where there are pilgrimages at every step of the way. Kushinagar is the final resting place of Gautama Buddha, where he attained Mahaparinirvana after his death, and is among the most important pilgrim spots for Buddhists. (PTI)