PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Kushinagar International Airport, calls it a tribute to Buddhist society - See pics

Prime Minister Modi said that this region is witness to the entire journey from the enlightenment of Lord Buddha to Mahaparinirvana. "Today this important region is getting directly connected to the world," he added.

(Photo: PIB)

Paying tribute to Maharshi Valmiki on his Jayanti today, Prime Minister Modi said that the country is marching on the path of Sabka Vikas with the help of Sabka Satha and Sabka Prayas. 

"Development of Kushinagar is one of the key priorities of the UP and central governments," he said.

(Photo: PIB)

The Prime Minister highlighted the special focus on the development of the places associated with Lord Buddha through better connectivity and the creation of facilities for the devotees. 

(Photo: PIB)

PM Modi also welcomed the Sri Lankan flight and delegation that landed at Kushinagar. He said that tourism in all its forms, whether for faith or for leisure, needs modern infrastructure complete with rail, road, airways, waterways, hotels, hospitals, internet connectivity, hygiene, sewage treatment and renewable energy ensuring a clean environment. 

(Photo: PIB)

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the development regarding the aviation sector in Uttar Pradesh as air connectivity is constantly improving in the state.

In Uttar Pradesh, 8 airports are already functional before Kushinagar airport. Work is on Jewar International Airport after Lucknow, Varanasi and Kushinagar.

Apart from that, airport projects are going on in Ayodhya, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Moradabad and Shravasti.

(Photo: PIB)

A lord Buddha statue placed inside the Kushinagar International Airport.

(Photo: PTI)

The Kushinagar International Airport has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 260 crore. It will facilitate domestic and 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 Kushinagar International Airport will serve nearby districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and is also seen as an important step in boosting the investment and employment opportunities in the region.