 "Modi")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched development schemes worth Rs 10 billion for Daman and Diu, and also inaugurated a flight connecting Ahmedabad to the coastal town of Diu.
The Prime Minister, who inaugurated Air Odisha's flight connecting Ahmedabad with Diu under the Centre's regional connectivity scheme UDAN, said air connectivity will boost tourism in the region.
He also launched a helicopter service connecting Daman and Diu at an event.
"The air connectivity will boost tourism as tourists who want to visit the Somnath temple, Gir forest (in Gujarat) can now go (there) from Diu," Modi said.
Somnath temple and Gir forest are located around 80 kilometres from Diu. Ahmedabad to Diu road journey takes 12 hours and the air-connectivity reduces the travel time to just an hour.
Delighted to be in Daman this afternoon. Touched by people’s warmth and affection. The various development projects launched today will bring a qualitative difference in the lives of the people of Daman and Diu. https://t.co/nEHgL366VV pic.twitter.com/BGPhMReG8P
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 24, 2018
The Prime minister also inaugurated anganwadis (child care centres) and schools constructed under corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
On the occasion, he distributed e-rickshaws to women and scooters to differently-abled beneficiaries.
I appreciate the administration of Daman and Diu for their efforts towards cleanliness, e-rickshaws and CNG. A clean Daman will draw more tourists, which will create better economic opportunities for people.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 24, 2018
Earlier in the day, Modi arrived at the Surat airport where he was accorded a grand welcome.
People gathered in large numbers to greet him on both sides of the road in Daman.
