Centre devoted significant efforts to enhance connectivity: Modi
Bhubaneswar, Sep 22 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the Centre has devoted significant efforts to enhance connectivity all over the country.
"Connectivity is at the core of all round development. Our government has devoted significant efforts to enhance connectivity all over the nation," the Prime Minister said after inaugurating the Jharsuguda airport.
Jharsuguda became the second operational airport of Odisha to provide necessary connectivity to Bhubaneswar, Raipur and Ranchi under the UDAN regional airport development scheme.
Modi also named the airport after noted freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai.
"This airport in Jharsuguda is well located to serve the needs of the people of Odisha. This is going to be the second airport in the state. While being happy this airport is opening, we also need to wonder why it took so many years for a second airport in Odisha."
He said India's aviation sector is being transformed rapidly and this augurs well for 125 crore Indians.
Modi said the airport will help industries to accelerate their business in the state.
"After programmes in Talcher, I am glad I am here in Jharsuguda to inaugurate the airport and other development projects. These development works will greatly benefit the people of Odisha."
On the occasion, the Prime Minister also flagged off the first flight from Jharsuguda airport and dedicated Garjanbahal open cast mines project and Jharsuguda-Sardega railway line in Sundargarh district and commencement of coal production and transportation from Dulanga coal mine of NTPC.
Jharsuguda Airport has been developed by the Airports Authority of India at an estimated cost of Rs 210 crore with Rs 75 crores contribution from the Odisha government.
Spread across over 1,027.5 acres of land, the area of terminal building of the airport is 4,000 sqm.
The airport has been developed for all weather operations including night operations for A-320 type of aircraft.
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CEC orders immediate arrest of those involved in post-poll violence in Bengal: Official
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed the authorities concerned to immediately arrest those involved in post-poll violence and vandalism in West Bengal, an official said on Wednesday.
The Election Commission's directive came after two persons were killed in alleged incidents of post-poll violence in the state on Tuesday, besides scores of party offices being ransacked.
The CEC issued instructions to the West Bengal chief secretary, director general of police, Kolkata police commissioner and directors general of central armed police forces, along with all district magistrates, superintendents of police and other officials, to maintain continuous patrolling in sensitive areas, he said.
"Those responsible for inciting violence and carrying out acts of vandalism must be arrested immediately," the official said, quoting the CEC's instruction.
The chief election commissioner also stressed the need for swift and firm enforcement of the law, he added.
This directive came amid concerns over law and order in parts of the state, with the Election Commission closely monitoring the situation, he added.
"We have been asked to remain on high alert and ensure that any attempt to disturb peace is dealt with firmly," a senior police officer said.
The state authorities have intensified vigil across districts, with coordinated efforts between the police and central forces to prevent any untoward incident, he added.
The assembly elections were held in West Bengal in two phases - April 23 and 29. The counting of votes took place on May 4.
The BJP sealed a landslide victory with 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, ending the TMC's uninterrupted 15-year rule in the state.
