In a boost to Buddhist pilgrimage, PM Modi inaugurates Kushinagar international airport in UP
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kushinagar international airport in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday
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New Delhi, October 20: In a huge boost to Buddhist pilgrimage, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kushinagar international airport in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, in presence of Namal Rajapaksa MP, son of Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, with a flight from Sri Lanka becoming the first to touch down at this new airport.
On the other hand, Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand to India on inauguration of Kushinagar International Airport in UP said, "People in Thailand normally like to come to India to complete the Buddhist circuit. The Kushinagar International Airport will boost the tourism between Thailand & India."
The PM said, “In order to develop the places associated with Lord Buddha, for better connectivity, special attention is being given by India today on the creation of facilities for the devotees. The development of Kushinagar is in the priorities of the UP government and the central government.”
Further he 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 Purvanchal area, it is time for the fulfilment of a commitment."
PM Modi highlighted that this airport will also help develop a whole economic ecosystem here, creating new job opportunities. Notably, Kushinagar is one of the major pilgrimage centres for Buddhism followers from all over the world. It 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. Hence, the airport will greatly help in boosting the tourism here. It will make it easy from pilgrims to fly in from places like Thailand and Sri Lanka, (where Buddhism is practiced vastly), to visit the place of worship.
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“It is a great gesture of PM Modi and especially inviting Srilankan airlines to be the first international carrier to land at Kushinagar International Airport,” said Sri Lankan Sports Minister, Namal Rajapaksa, who arrived in Varanasi with a Lankan delegation of more than a 100 Buddhist Monks.
On the other hand, Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand to India on inauguration of Kushinagar International Airport in UP said, "People in Thailand normally like to come to India to complete the Buddhist circuit. The Kushinagar International Airport will boost the tourism between Thailand & India."
The airport is built at an estimated cost of Rs. 260 crore and will benefit domestic as well as international pilgrims by providing seamless connectivity to Mahaparinirvana sthal of Lord Buddha. It is spread over an area of 590 acres provides world-class facilities. The 8-storied Air Traffic Control / ATC tower built at the cost of Rs. 17.5 crore, has become fully operational. It will serve districts of UP, Bihar and is a vital step towards boosting employment opportunities in the region.