Kushinagar airport given 'international' status after Centre approves proposal

Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the decision to designate Kushinagar airport in Uttar Pradesh -- which is in close proximity to Buddhist sites such as Sravasti, Kapilvastu, and Lumbinias -- an international one was "great news" and will provide better opportunities for the local people.

"Great news for Uttar Pradesh, tourism, and those inspired by the noble thoughts of Lord Buddha! Kushinagar Airport will now be an international airport. Connectivity will improve significantly. More tourists and pilgrims will also mean better opportunities for the local population", Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.

Earlier, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has given its approval for the declaration of Kushinagar Airport in Uttar Pradesh as an International Airport.

Kushinagar Airport is located in the vicinity of several Buddhist Cultural Sites like Sravasti, Kapilvastu, Lumbini (Kushinagar itself is a Buddhist cultural site) and declaration as an "International Airport" is expected to offer improved connectivity, and a wider choice of competitive costs to the air-travelers. It is also expected to result in the boosting of domestic/international tourism and economic development of the regions. It will be an important strategic location with the international border close by.

Kushinagar is located in the north-eastern part of Uttar Pradesh about 50 km east of Gorakhpur and is one of the important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

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