Highlights: ‘Lives of middle class being transformed’, says Modi after launching UDAN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday flagged off the first Rs 2,500-an-hour flight from Shimla as part of an UDAN scheme that makes air travel accessible to lower middle class families. It also plans to enhance connectivity with more airports in the country.

The first regional flight under the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme was flagged off between Shimla and Delhi from Jubbarhatti, the tabletop airport located 2,196 metres above sea level and 22 km from Shimla.

During his day-long visit to the Queen of Hills, which saw mild showers in the morning, Modi underscored the thrust on keeping the air fares within the reach of the middle class.

Here are live updates:

1.50 pm: “The previous government made mockery of OROP. We implemented it after coming to power and several ex-servicemen have benefitted,” says Modi.

1.45 pm: “It is a delight that several households in the rural areas have been benefitted through the Ujjwala Yojana,” says Modi.

“I urge everyone to use less cash and encourage digital transactions. BHIM app can transform the way we transact.”

1.40 pm: “Our sole aim is farmers’ welfare. Our government has brought the most comprehensive Fasal Bima Yojana for the farmers,” says Modi.

“We keep the aspirations of poor and youth in mind while formulating every policy. Every section of the society must grow.”

1.35 pm: “After Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Delhi, now Himachal Pradesh awaits ‘Imandari Ka Yug’. We will continue to take steps to curb corruption. Those who have looted the poor, will not be spared,” says Modi in Shimla.

“Today, India has emerged as one of the fastest growing nations. Our Government is devoted to take the country to new heights.”

“We want our youth to get jobs, children must have access to good education, elderly must get affordable healthcare.”

1.30 pm: “The lives of the middle class are being transformed and their aspirations are increasing and given the right chance they can do wonders. Earlier aviation was considered as a domain for select few. But whichever facilities the rich have, poor also must have access to them,” says Modi.

“My dream was to see a person who wears a ‘hawai chappal’ to fly on the ‘hawai jahaz’ or plane,” he said

1.25 pm: “This land is a ‘Dev Bhoomi’ as well as ‘Veer Bhoomi’. I salute their bravery and pay respects to their families. HP has potential for tourism. We are giving impetus to infrastructure. Be it roads, railways or airways, we want this region to grow.”

“Himachal has potential for tourism. We are giving impetus to infrastructure. Be it roads, railways or airways, we want this region to grow.”

1.20 pm: PM Narendra Modi begins his public address in Shimla. “I had the opportunity to visit this land of Shimla 20 years ago when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister.”