Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.
Credit: X/@CMOMaharashtra
Mumbai: The MahaYuti-NDA dispensation in Maharashtra is a “double engine-double booster” government which has fast-paced development, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in the presence of his two deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as the Amravati Airport in the Vidarbha region got operational on Wednesday.
Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol were present.
“Our's is a double engine sarkar…we are working under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi…let me add here…we are not just a double-engine government…we are actually a double engine-double booster government,” said Fadnavis.
The CM’s statement assumes significance in the wake of the power struggle between BJP and its allies - Shiv Sena and NCP.
“Development was fast-paced when Fadnavis took over as the CM and ran the state between 2014-2019,” Shinde said.
“Thereafter for two-and-a-half years, development projects were blocked and everything came to a standstill,” he said referring to the erstwhile Maha Vikas Aghadi government.
“Then for two-and-a-half years, I was the CM…I was in the pilot’s seat…Fadnavis and Pawar were co-pilots…now Fadnavis is in pilot’s seat while me and Pawar are in co-pilot’s seat…the aircraft is the same…the engine is the same…but is cruising at a faster speed,” said Shinde.
“We all are working under Modi’s leadership for Viksit Bharat,” said Pawar.
The Amravati Airport, located in Belora, was initially developed by the Public Works Department in 1992 but remained non-operational for public use. The state-run Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) revamped the airport with an extended runway and other upgrades to meet licensing requirements.
“Take off from Mumbai for Amravati! A historic day as the #AmravatiAirport gets operational today! Regional connectivity becomes reality — unlocking new horizons of growth, opportunity, and transformation!" Fadnavis posted on X.
The Maharashtra CM’s Office shared the video of Alliance Air Company's flight 9I633 arriving at the newly built Amravati Airport.
“In the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Alliance Air Company's flight 9I633 arrived at the newly built Amravati Airport. On this occasion, a magnificent water cannon salute was given to the first passenger plane to arrive at the Amravati Airport,” it posted on X.