In an unexpected turn of events, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landing plan for the inauguration of the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district has been changed. The initial plan of using an army aircraft to touch down on the expressway had to be scrapped due to certain limitations.
It was discovered that the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway lacks a suitable airstrip for the landing of aircraft. Furthermore, the presence of high tension lines in the area posed a safety risk. As a result, army aircraft cannot be landed on the expressway.
To ensure the Prime Minister’s arrival, an alternative arrangement has been made. PM Modi will now travel by helicopter from Nal Airport in Bikaner and land on the Greenfield Expressway. In addition, vehicles from the Chief Minister’s convoy will also be stationed at Nal Airport. If any weather-related issues arise, the Prime Minister will be transported to the expressway by road.
This change in plans came after thorough investigations conducted by officials on Wednesday. Preparations had been underway for PM Modi’s visit to Bikaner for several days, with efforts made to facilitate the landing of Air Force aircraft on the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal had hinted at this possibility. However, the absence of an airstrip on the expressway and the presence of high tension lines deemed it unsafe for aircraft landing.
Despite this alteration, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bikaner remains significant. On July 8, he will interact with over 1.5 lakh people and inaugurate several projects worth Rs 25,000 crore. The Amritsar-Jamnagar Express Highway will also be officially opened on the same day.
This highway, built at a cost exceeding Rs 20,000 crore, will reduce travel time between Amritsar and Jamnagar from 23 hours to 12 hours. Additionally, it will connect five districts in Rajasthan and include amenities such as hotels, toll plazas, petrol pumps, and charging centers along the route.
In conclusion, while the landing plan for PM Modi had to be altered due to the unsuitability of the Amritsar-Jamnagar Expressway, the inauguration of the Green Express Highway remains a significant event that will bring improved connectivity and economic development to the region.