Big infra push for Karnataka: PM Modi inaugurates new airport, development projects in Shivamogga

 Big infra push for Karnataka: PM Modi inaugurates new airport, development projects in Shivamogga

PM Modi inaugurates Shivamogga airport, takes stock of facilities

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several development projects worth over Rs 3,600 crore in Karnataka's Shivamogga.

PM Modi inaugurated the Shivamogga airport and took stock of the facilities.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the new airport has been developed at a cost of around ₹450 crore. The passenger terminal building of the airport can handle 300 passengers per hour and will improve connectivity and accessibility to Shivamogga and other neighboring areas in the Malnad region.

Referring to the newly constructed airport at Shivamogga, the Prime Minister said that today, after a long time, the needs of the citizens have been met. Commenting on the spectacular beauty and construction of the airport, the PM highlighted the amalgamation of Karnataka's traditions and technology.

"It is not just an airport but a mission where the dreams of the young generation can take flight," he added.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the airport at Shivamogga is being inaugurated at a time when air travel is at its peak in India. He said, “Just recently, Air India has completed the deal to buy the world's largest passenger airliner. During Congress rule before 2014, Air India was generally discussed in a negative light and its identity was always Has been associated with scams where it was believed to be a loss-making business model."

Highlighting today's Air India, the Prime Minister said that it is recognized as the potential of New India where it is scaling heights of success.

In view of the expansion of India's aviation market, PM Modi said that the country will require thousands of aircraft in the near future where youth will be needed as a workforce. He asserted, "Even though we are importing these aircraft today, the day is not far when citizens of India will fly Made in India passenger aircraft."

The Prime Minister elaborated on the policies of the Government which have led to the unprecedented expansion of the aviation sector.

"Unlike the approach of previous governments, the present government insisted for airports in smaller cities. As of 2014, the country had 74 airports in the first seven decades of independence, while in the last nine years, 74 more airports have been added , which connect many small towns and cities," he said.

The Prime Minister also referred to the UDAN scheme for affordable air travel to realize his vision that "a common citizen wearing a hawai chappal should be able to travel in an aeroplane."

PM Modi said Shivamogga is the gateway to the Malenadu region which is famous for the Western Ghats and greenery, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, famous Jog Falls and Elephant Camp, Lion Safari at Simha Dham and mountain ranges of Agumbe.

"The new airport is going to open doors of development for Shivamogga, the land of nature, culture and agriculture," he said. The Prime Minister recalled the saying that those who do not take a dip in the Ganges and do not drink the water of the Tungabhadra river, their lives remain incomplete.

PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for two railway projects in Shivamogga. This includes the Shivamogga - Shikaripura - Ranibennur new railway line and the Kotaganguru Railway Coaching Depot.

The Shivamogga - Shikaripura - Ranibennur new railway line, to be developed at a cost of ₹990 crore, will provide better connectivity to the Malnad region with the Bengaluru-Mumbai mainline. The Kotaganguru Railway Coaching Depot in Shivamogga city will be developed at a cost of over ₹100 crore, to enable new trains to start from Shivamogga and low-maintenance facilities in Bengaluru and Mysuru, the PMO statement said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the completion of the Shivamogga-Shikaripura-Ranibennur new line would also benefit Haveri and Davanagere districts. He underlined that there would be no level crossing in this line, making it a safe rail line where fast trains would run smoothly.

He highlighted that the capacity of Kotagangaur station, which used to be a small halt station, would get a boost after the construction of the new coaching terminal. He said that now it is being developed with four railway lines, three platforms and one railway coaching depot.

Noting that Shivamogga is an educational hub of the region, the Prime Minister said that increased connectivity will make it easier for students from nearby areas to visit Shivamogga.