Modi Inaugurates Shivamogga Airport, To Launch Development Projects In Belagavi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated Shivamogga Airport in a boost to connectivity and accessibility of the Karnataka city and other neighbouring areas in the Malnad region.
The new airport has been developed at a cost of around ₹450 crore and the passenger terminal can handle 300 travellers every hour.
Former Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa, celebrating his 80th birthday today, was also present at the event. Praising the senior BJP leader, PM Modi said, “Today is special for one more reason. It’s the birthday of Karnataka’s popular leader BS Yediyurappa.I pray for his long life. He dedicated his life to the welfare of poor people, and farmers. His speech in the Karnataka Assembly last week is an inspiration for everyone leading a public life.”
“Even after reaching the heights of success, how there should be humility in one’s behaviour – this speech of BS Yediyurappa and his life has always been inspiring for people like us and even for generations to come,” he added.
The prime minister laid the foundation stone of multiple projects at Shivamogga, including two railway projects – Shivamogga – Shikaripura – Ranebennur new Railway line and Koteganguru Railway coaching depot. The new railway line, aimed at enhanced connectivity of the Malnad region withthe Bengaluru-Mumbai mainline, is estimated to be developed at a cost of ₹990 crore. The new coaching depot at Shivamogga will help start new trains from Shivamogga and decongest maintenance facilities at Bengaluru and Mysuru, according to a statement.
Later in the day, PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for multiple road development projects estimated at over ₹215 crore, including construction of new Bypass road for Shikaripura Town on NH 766C connecting Byndur – Ranibennur; widening of NH-169A from Megaravalli to Agumbe; and construction of new bridge at Bharathipura in Thirthahally Taluk on NH 169.
In Belagavi, the prime minister will inaugurate the redeveloped railway station with world-class amenities.