Ahead of Kumbh, Modi opens new airport, integrated command & control centre at Prayagraj

Ahead of the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj next month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a state-of-art integrated command and control centre to ensure security and smooth functioning of facilities at the biggest religious congregation on the planet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre for the Kumbh Mela, at Prayagraj, in Uttar Pradesh. Photo courtesy: PMO

Prime Minister Modi also unveiled a new airport at Prayagraj, an erstwhile Allahabad, where pilgrims from around the globe will gather to take a holy dip on 24 January 2019.

Besides pilgrims from every nook and corner world, a large number of PIO and NRIs are also expected to arrive from Varanasi where they will be participating in a three-day Pravasi Bhartiya Divas that is PBD 2019 on 21, 22 and 23 January.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a ‘Divya Kumbh Bhavya Kumbh’ Selfie Point, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Photo courtesy: PMO

After the inaugural event, the Prime Minister performed Ganga Puja and visited the Swachh Kumbh Exhibition. He visited the Akshay Vat in Prayagraj. The PM  also dedicated to the nation, inaugurated, and laid the foundation stone of various development projects at Andawa in Prayagraj.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi admiring an ancient tree at Akshayvat, at Prayagraj, in Uttar Pradesh. Photo courtesy: PMO

Addressing a large gathering, he announced that pilgrims for the Ardh-Kumbh this time will also be able to visit the Akshay Vat. He said the Government is making every effort to ensure good connectivity to Prayagraj. He said the projects dedicated today, would help both infrastructure and connectivity. He said the new airport terminal had been completed in a record time of one year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath performing the Ganga Pujan at Prayagraj, in Uttar Pradesh. Photo courtesy: PIB

The Prime Minister said that every effort is being made to ensure a unique experience for devotees coming for the Ardh-Kumbh.  He said the effort is to showcase India's glorious past and vibrant future.

The Prime Minister said that the Government is also working to ensure a clean Ganga. He said the sewage treatment plants and beautification of Ghats would go a long way in this regard.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the new airport at Bamrauli in Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh. The Governor of Uttar Pradesh Ram Naik, the Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath are also seen. Photo courtesy: PIB

The Prime Minister described the Kumbh as a symbol of India and Indianness. He said it unites us and gives a glimpse of Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat. He said that the organisation of the Kumbh is not just a matter of faith, but also a matter of prestige; every visitor to the Kumbh should be well taken care of. He said the Ardh-Kumbh would show how 'New India' encompasses both heritage and modernity.

The Prime Minister said that he wishes to caution the country that certain forces are trying to put undue pressure on the judiciary. He said these elements consider themselves to be above all institutions.