“Those Wearing Hawai Chappals…”: PM Modi On Aviation Sector’s Growth

Shivamogga (Karnataka): “People wearing ‘Hawai Chappals’ should travel on ‘Hawai Jahas’ (planes). I see that happening,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today.
Addressing a public meeting after inaugurating the Sivamokka Airport, he said that India will need thousands of aircraft in the coming days and the days of Made in India passenger aircraft are not far away.

PM Modi also lashed out at the Congress, saying that before 2014 Air India was often discussed for negative reasons including scams.

The inauguration of the airport coincided with the 80th birthday of Karnataka BJP stalwart and four-time chief minister BS Yeddyurappa from Shivamogga district. PM Modi asked people to turn on their mobile lights to commemorate Mr Yeddyurappa’s birthday.

Karnataka has decided to give the “dual engine” government a second chance, he said.

Prime Minister Modi is making his fifth visit this year to Karnataka, where assembly elections are due by May.

A new airport has been constructed at a cost of 450 crores. The passenger terminal building of the airport can handle 300 passengers per hour.

Officials said the airport is expected to improve connectivity and accessibility from Shivamogga and other neighboring areas in the Malnad region of Karnataka. The Prime Minister laid foundation stones here for several development projects worth a total of ₹ 3,600 crore.

Union Minister Pragalad Joshi, Chief Minister Basavaraj Poma, Yeddyurappa and others participated in the event.