Ahead of PM’s visit, Yogi reviews preparations in Kushinagar
International flights from Kushinagar airport would usher in development in eastern Uttar Pradesh, says CM
GORAKHPUR: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit here on Wednesday, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday took stock of preparations at all three venues of his programme, the Kushinagar airport, the Parinirvana temple and the rally ground, before chairing a review meeting with officials at the circuit house.
On Wednesday, the PM will dedicate the newly constructed Kushinagar international airport
to the nation, offer puja at Parinirvana temple, inaugurate a three-day international Buddha conclave and deliver his speech from Narayanpuri rally ground. He will also launch 12 development schemes and lay foundation stone of the medical college in Kushinagar, as per the district
administration officials.
Addressing a press conference after reviewing preparations, the chief minister said, “With Kushinagar airport, Uttar Pradesh will become the first state of the country to have maximum functional airports – nine-- including three international airports. Before 2017, the state had just two functional airports at Lucknow and Varanasi. This achievement is in line with PM Modi’s vision that even those who wear ‘hawaii chappal’ can do ‘hawai yatra’( even the poor can afford travelling by air). The state government is working on making more airports functional.”
Yogi further said, “It is the good fortune of Uttar Pradesh that maximum places associated with Lord Buddha are here. But it’s unfortunate that the development of these sites was always neglected since independence by non-BJP Governments. Now, under PM Modi’s leadership, all such pilgrimage sites are being developed and being connected through Buddha circuit. Tomorrow, a delegation of Sri Lankan government is arriving here in the opening ceremony and the whole state, with the spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhav’
(guest is God) is eagerly waiting to welcome them in this pious land of Buddha. “
The CM said that international flights from Kushinagar airport would usher in development in eastern Uttar Pradesh, tourism would get a boost and more job avenues would open up.
He said that direct flights from countries like Korea, Japan, Thailand, China and Vietnam, among Buddhist countries would start from the airport. Meanwhile, tight security arrangements were put in place on routes leading to the venues which the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit.