BANGLORE: In order to improve the connection and accessibility of the Karnataka city and other surrounding areas in the Malnad region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Shivamogga Airport on Monday.
The development of the new airport, cost about Rs. 450 crore, and the passenger terminal can accommodate 300 passengers per hour. BS Yediyurappa, a former chief minister of Karnataka who turned 80 today, attended the occasion as well.
PM Modi praised the top party official and stated, "Today is unique for yet another reason. The well-liked leader of Karnataka, BS Yediyurappa, turns 80 today. I wish and pray a long life for him.”
“He devoted his entire life to improving the lives of farmers and the disadvantaged. For everyone conducting a public life, his statement last week in the Karnataka Assembly serves as an example”, Modi added.
"The speech by BS Yediyurappa and his life have always been an inspiration for people like us and even for future generations," he continued. "Even after reaching the heights of success, one should be humble in one's behaviour," he said.
The prime minister referred to Air India's expansion plans and recent orders from Boeing and Airbus in saying that while the earlier airline was frequently mentioned in bad news under the previous administration, it is now taking a "new flight before the world in the form of India's new capability."
At Shivamogga, the prime minister laid the cornerstone for a number of projects, including the Koteganguru Railway coaching depot and the Shivamogga-Shikaripura-Ranebennur New Railway line.
The cost to build the new railway line, which aims to improve connection between the Malnad region and the Bengaluru-Mumbai mainline, is expected to be Rs. 990 crore.
According to a release, the new Shivamogga coaching depot will help new trains depart from Shivamogga and relieve pressure on the repair facilities in Bengaluru and Mysuru.
Later in the day, PM Modi will also lay the cornerstone for a number of road development projects worth more than Rs 215 crore, including building a new bridge at Bharathipura in Thirthahally Taluk on NH 169 and a new bypass road for Shikaripura Town on NH 766C connecting Byndur and Ranibennur.
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