Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new international airport at Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh and said his administration had taken several steps to introduce new energy in the aviation sector. Kushinagar is the final resting spot of Gautama Buddha, where he attained Mahaparinirvana after his death and is among the most worshipped place for Buddhists.

The new airport developed at a value of Rs 260 crore is part of the government’s effort to connect Buddhist worshipped sites worldwide. After inaugurating the airport, PM Modi said that it would increase connectivity and tourism while also helping in developing the economic ecosystem in the district and generating new job opportunities. “This step will give new strength to the aviation division of India,” Modi said.

The new Kushinagar airport’s terminal building is around 3,600 square metres. It was built by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government. The terminal can manage 300 passengers at a time. The airport will bring the attention of more followers of Buddhism and will improve the growth of a Buddhist theme-based tour, according to the Aviation Ministry.