PM Modi lays foundation stone of new international airport at Mopa in Goa
Nov 14, 2016: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently unveiled plaques to mark the foundation stone laying of important development projects in Goa, including the Mopa green field Airport, during a function at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in the province.
The other project includes the electronic manufacturing Cluster at Tuem, the phase 3A of Goa Shipyard Limited and construction of Coast Guard OPV project.
A large crowd, comprising BJP workers and senior leaders were present for the foundation laying ceremony of BJP government's ambitious projects.
The Prime Minister on the occasion said, “Goa’s population is around fifteen lakh. With the development of this project, you will see a threefold increase in the number of people coming here. You are fifteen lakh here, at least fifty thousand people would start coming here. You can imagine how well tourism would flourish.”
“With this not only Goa will benefit, but the locals would also reap benefits. I strongly believe that the construction work will give employment to thousands of locals and after its completion the economy of the state would get an impetus,” he added.
The GMR Airports, the firm selected to construct the airport is slated to commence work in early 2017. The first phase of the airport, which is also located in Pernem, close to Maharashtra border, is expected to be ready in 2020.
The Prime Minister also unveiled plaques to mark the inauguration of Infrastructure for building Mine Counter Measure Vessels; and inauguration of commencement of Construction of five Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessels.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister began by congratulating the team which enabled India to successfully host the BRICS Summit in Goa a few weeks ago. The Prime Minister appreciated the State of Goa, for its progress.
Talking about the Airport project, the Prime Minister said he is happy that the promise made by former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee is being fulfilled. He said this will benefit Goa, and give an impetus to tourism.
Referring to the Electronic City project, he said a digitally trained, modern and youth driven Goa is being shaped today, which has the power to transform India.
Referring to the recent decision of the Union Government on demonetization of Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 currency notes, the Prime Minister said that on 8th November many people of India slept peacefully, while a few are sleepless even now. He said the Union Government has taken a key step to help the honest citizens of India, in defeating the menace of black money. The Prime Minister thanked all those who have been contributing to ensuring the success of the demonetization exercise. He said he also feels the pain, and these steps taken were not a display of arrogance. He said that he has seen poverty, and understands people’s problems.
He recalled that in 2014, people had voted to free the nation from corruption. He also mentioned the various steps that have been taken by the Union Government to curb black money.
The Prime Minister said that if any money has been looted in India and has left Indian shores, it is our duty to find out about it. He said that he was not born to sit on a chair of high office, adding that whatever he had, including his family, and his home, he had left to serve the nation.
