PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for the expansion of Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri, West Bengal, with an investment of Rs 1,550 crore. This initiative is part of a larger package of 23 development projects worth Rs 6,700 crore, which PM Modi announced virtually from a function in Varanasi
Pic/PTI
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Sunday, October 20, inaugurated three new airports virtually from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, as part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)–UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik). The newly developed airports are located in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh; Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh; and Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Flights from these airports are set to commence shortly, enhancing air travel accessibility in these regions, a press release from the government stated.
The RCS-UDAN initiative, launched on October 21, 2016, marks its seventh anniversary and aims to improve infrastructure and connectivity, particularly in underserved and remote areas of India. It forms a crucial element of India's National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016.
PM Modi lays foundation stone for new terminal at Bagdogra Airport
PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for the expansion of Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri, West Bengal, with an investment of Rs 1,550 crore, news agency PTI reported. This initiative is part of a larger package of 23 development projects worth Rs 6,700 crore, which PM Modi announced virtually from a function in Varanasi.
The new civil enclave at Bagdogra Airport will feature a terminal building covering 70,390 square metres, designed to accommodate 3,000 peak hour passengers and handle an annual capacity of 10 million passengers, PTI reported. Key elements of the expansion include an apron with space for 10 parking bays suitable for A-321 type aircraft, two link taxiways, and a multi-level car parking facility. Officials said that the terminal will incorporate environmentally friendly designs, integrating renewable energy sources and maximising natural light to reduce its ecological footprint.
The Union Cabinet approved this project in August, reported PTI. Located just 14 km from Siliguri, Bagdogra Airport serves as a crucial aviation hub in northern West Bengal, managing around 60 flights and approximately 8,000 passengers daily. Recently designated as a point-of-call (PoC) airport, it can now host international flights without prior approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
PM Modi slams Congress, SP
During the event in Varanasi, PM Modi also criticised the Congress and Samajwadi Party for their perceived nepotism and appeasement policies, which he claimed led to the neglect of his constituency before he became the Member of Parliament from there. "Ten years ago, Varanasi yearned for development," PM Modi said, highlighting that past headlines were dominated by scams. He questioned why those who ruled Uttar Pradesh and Delhi for so long failed to prioritise Varanasi's growth.
"The development of Varanasi was never a priority for the Samajwadi Party or Congress, and it will not be in the future. The BJP government operates on the principle of 'sabka vikas,'" he added.
Modi concluded by stating that discussions about development projects worth over Rs 15 lakh crore have become a topic in every household, underscoring the government's commitment to progress in the region.
(With PTI inputs)
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