PANAJI: The greenfield airport at Mopa in North Goa’s Pernem taluka will give the tourism industry in the state a major boost said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while laying the foundation stone for the airport today.
“For several years, people have been listening to the tales that the Greenfield airport will come up in North Goa. The promises were made during election and forgotten. I am happy that I am fulfilling the assurance which was given by (former PM) Atal Behari Vajpayee,” he said.
Modi said that he expected the new airport to bring an additional 5 million people to the state once it becomes operational. He added that the project will also create employment opportunities both while its in construction and after it is commissioned.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for Electronic City planned at Tuem village in North Goa, said, “In the 21st century, I can see Goa which is digitally based, youth-driven and most modern state,” he said.
In an hour-long speech, Modi congratulated Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for ending the long standing political instability in the state after the 2012 elections. He said that the political instability in the state had hindered its growth in the past.
Musafir Namah Bureau
