PM Modi inaugurates Kushinagar International Airport, to boost tourism

New Delhi, Oct 20: New international airport in UP's Kushinagar launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a major boost for the tourism sector in Uttar Pradesh.

A delegation, led by Sri Lankan Minister Namal Rajapaksa, son of PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, comprising around 100 senior Buddhist monks, 4 State Ministers and other senior officials arrived at Kushinagar from Colombo on the auspicious Vap Poya Day.

"Kushinagar International Airport is the result of decades of hopes and expectations. My happiness is two-fold today. As curious about the spiritual journey, I have a sense of satisfaction. As a representative of Purvanchal area, it is time for the fulfilment of a commitment," PM Modi said at the launch.

The Kushinagar International Airport has been built at an estimated cost of Rs. 260 crores. It will facilitate domestic & international pilgrims to visit the Mahaparinirvana sthal of Lord Buddha and is an endeavour in connecting the Buddhist pilgrimage holy sites around the world.

The airport will serve nearby districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and is an important step in boosting the investment & employment opportunities in the region.

Abhidhamma Day at Mahaparinirvana Temple

PM Modi will visit the Mahaparinirvana temple, offer Archana and Chivar to the reclining statue of Lord Buddha and also plant a Bodhi tree sapling.

Prime Minister will participate in an event, organised to mark Abhidhamma Day. The day symbolises the end of three-month rainy retreat - Varshavaas or Vassa - for the Buddhist Monks, during which they stay at one place in vihara and monastery and pray.

The event will also be attended by eminent Monks from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, South Korea, Nepal, Bhutan and Cambodia, as well as Ambassadors of various countries.

Prime Minister will also walk through the exhibition of Paintings of Ajanta frescos, Buddhist Sutra Calligraphy and Buddhist artefacts excavated from Vadnagar and other sites in Gujarat.

Inauguration of development projects

PM Modi will participate in a public function at Barwa Jangal, Kushinagar. In the event, he will lay the foundation stone of Rajkiya Medical College, Kushinagar which will be built at a cost of over Rs 280 crore.
The Medical college will have a 500 bed hospital and provide admissions to 100 students in MBBS course in academic session 2022-2023. Prime Minister will also inaugurate & lay the foundation stone of 12 development projects worth over Rs 180 crore.