New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kushinagar International Airport at the site of Lord Buddha's Parinirvana in Uttar Pradesh. The inaugural flight from Sri Lanka, carrying a Sri Lankan delegation of over 100 Buddhist monks and dignitaries including the 12-member holy relic entourage bringing the holy Buddha relics for exposition landed at Kushinagar airport today.


The delegation also comprised anunayakas (deputy heads) of all four nikatas (orders) of Buddhism in Sri Lanka; Asgiriya, Amarapura, Ramanya, Malwatta as well as five ministers of the Lankan government led by cabinet minister Namal Rajapakshe.


Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia felicitated PM Modi in Kushinagar. UP Governor Anandiben Patel, CM Yogi Adityanath, and other dignitaries also attended the event.


 






After the launch of the airport which is expected to boost the tourism of Uttar Pardesh, PM Modi addressed the event. Here are the key points of his speech:



  • PM Modi expressed his happiness on the launch and said, "Kushinagar International Airport is the result of decades of hopes & expectations. My happiness is two-fold today. As curious about the spiritual journey, I've a sense of satisfaction. As a representative of the Purvanchal area, it is time for the fulfillment of a commitment."

  • PM Modi said that India is the center of faith of Buddhist society around the world. Today this facility of Kushinagar International Airport is a tribute to the Buddhist community as the holy city of Kushinagar has witnessed the entire journey from the enlightenment of Lord Buddha to Mahaparinirvana. Today this region is directly connected to the world.

  • Prime Minister said that India is giving special attention in order to develop the places associated with Lord Buddha and is developing facilities for better connectivity for the devotees. The development of Kushinagar is one of the priorities of the UP government and the central government.

  • PM Modi said, "Kushinagar International Airport won't just be the mode of air connectivity. Be it farmers, animal keepers, shopkeepers, workers, local industrialists-it'll benefit all. It'll create an ecosystem of business. Tourism will get maximum benefit, it'll generate employment for youth here."

  • The Prime Minister said that the effort will be to have a network of more than 200 airports, heliports, and water dome in the nation in the next 3-4 years.

  • PM Modi also informed that in the next few weeks, SpiceJet is starting a direct flight between Delhi and Kushinagar which will help local passengers and devotees.

  • PM informed that under the UDAN scheme, more than 900 new routes have been approved in the last few years, out of which air service has started on more than 350 routes. More than 50 new airports or those which were not in service earlier have been made operational.

  • Speaking on the recent Air India deal with Tata, PM Modi said, "the country has taken a big step related to Air India so that the country's aviation sector should run professionally, convenience and safety should be given priority. This step will give new energy to the aviation sector of India."

  • PM Modi also focused on the recently launched PM Gatishakti- National Master Plan. PM said, "This will not only improve the governance but it will also be ensured that road, rail, plane, they support each other, increase each other's capacity.


After the launch of the airport, Sri Lankan Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa said"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."


Rajapaksa further said that one of the greatest gift Srilanka got from India is Buddhism. Hinduism and Buddhism have co-existed and this deep-rooted relationship will further continue to strengthen.


The Kushinagar airport has been built at an estimated cost of ₹260 crores; it will serve the nearby districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and is being looked at as an important step in boosting investment and employment opportunities in the region. The airport will facilitate domestic and international pilgrims to visit the 'Mahaparinirvana' site of Lord Buddha and is an endeavour to connect the Buddhist pilgrimage holy sites around the world, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office