Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed confidence that the tourism industry would get a major boost in Goa, after the commissioning of the Greenfield airport at Mopa in the State.

“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 Prime Minister) Atal Behari Vajpayee. With the commissioning of the airport, 50 lakh people will come to Goa (annually),” Modi said after laying foundation stone of the state’s civilian airport at Mopa in North Goa’s Pernem taluka.

“You can imagine how much tourism will increase due to the airport,” he said.

He also said ample employment opportunities will be created during construction of the project and after it is commissioned.

The Prime Minister, who 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.”

“The modern Goa will be technologically empowered. Goa will be the power house to change the face of India,” he said.

In his hour-long speech, Modi congratulated Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for ending the long standing political instability in the State after the 2012 elections.

“The political instability had hindered the state’s capability to grow. I congratulate Manohar Parrikar for bringing in the culture of political stability in the State,” he said. The BJP had come to power in Goa in 2012 with a clear majority under the leadership of Parrikar, who then became Chief Minister of the State before taking over as Defence Minister at the Centre.

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