PM Modi Highlights Growth of Airports in India Since 2014

Synopsis
On April 14, PM Modi announced that India's airports increased from 74 to over 150 since 2014, marking improvements in connectivity. He laid the foundation stone for a new terminal in Hisar and inaugurated flights to Ayodhya, emphasizing inclusive development and the impact of the UDAN scheme.
Key Takeaways
- Airports in India have grown from 74 to over 150 since 2014.
- Foundation stone for the new terminal at Maharaja Agrasen Airport was laid.
- Scheduled flights from Hisar to various cities have started.
- PM Modi highlighted the success of the UDAN scheme.
- New projects aim to enhance Haryana's infrastructure and energy security.
Hisar, April 14 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Monday that prior to 2014, India had merely 74 airports; however, in the past decade, this number has surpassed 150, showcasing remarkable advancements in improving connectivity compared to the previous administration's efforts.
During the observance of Ambedkar Jayanti, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the new terminal building at Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar, Haryana, and inaugurated the first flight to Ayodhya.
The commencement of scheduled flights from Hisar—twice weekly to Ayodhya and thrice weekly to Jammu, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Chandigarh—marks a significant enhancement of Haryana's aviation infrastructure.
The new terminal project, estimated to cost over Rs 410 crore, will include a state-of-the-art passenger terminal, a dedicated cargo facility, and an air traffic control building.
Speaking at a large rally, PM Modi honored Baba Saheb Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, referring to the occasion as a “Diwali” for Dalits and marginalized communities.
“The identity of Haryana lies in your soldiers, sportsmen, and unity,” he expressed, appreciating the audience for their spirited involvement.
Reflecting on his past political experiences in the state, PM Modi remarked, “The efforts of everyone who collaborated with me laid a robust foundation for the BJP in Haryana. Today, I take pride in Haryana's earnest pursuit of Viksit Bharat.
Reiterating the BJP's dedication to inclusive development, PM Modi added, “The BJP's mission is to facilitate the swift advancement of all Dalits, the underprivileged, and marginalized communities in Haryana. Flights have commenced from the sanctified land of Shri Krishna's Haryana to Lord Ram's Ayodhya in alignment with this mission.”
He described the foundation stone of the airport terminal as a representation of Haryana's aspirations, congratulating the populace and stating, “I assured you that even those in slippers would board flights, and we are witnessing this promise being realized nationwide.”
He praised the success of the Centre's UDAN scheme, which has enabled thousands of Indians to experience flying for the first time.
“Before 2014, the nation had only 74 airports. Today, this figure has exceeded 150,” PM Modi emphasized, showcasing the influence of the UDAN Yojana (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), which aims to enhance regional connectivity and make air travel more affordable and accessible.
Later in the day, PM Modi will proceed to Yamuna Nagar to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for additional development initiatives and engage with the public.
As part of enhancing power infrastructure and ensuring last-mile electricity access, PM Modi will lay the groundwork for an 800 MW thermal power unit at the Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant. Spanning 233 acres and costing approximately Rs 8,470 crore, this project is anticipated to fortify Haryana's energy security and guarantee uninterrupted power supply.
Furthering the GOBARDhan initiative (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan), the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for a Compressed Biogas Plant in Mukarabpur, Yamuna Nagar.
The plant, with an expected annual production of 2,600 metric tonnes, aims to improve organic waste management, produce clean energy, and promote environmental sustainability.
Additionally, PM Modi will inaugurate the Rewari Bypass project—a 14.4 km corridor constructed at a cost of Rs 1,070 crore under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. This new bypass will alleviate congestion in Rewari City, shorten travel time between Delhi and Narnaul by nearly an hour, and aid in fostering regional economic and social development.