Surat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dedicated Namo Airport and Namo Hospital to the people of Daman and unveiled 56 development projects worth Rs 2,970 crore, marking a major push to boost healthcare, air connectivity, tourism and public infrastructure in the Union territory.The Prime Minister inaugurated, dedicated and laid the foundation stone for projects spanning healthcare, civil aviation, tourism, connectivity, infrastructure and public welfare in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. With tourism on the rise, the projects are expected to accelerate overall development in the region.Apart from Daman, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and dedicated projects worth Rs 885 crore for the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.The new terminal building of Namo Airport and Namo Hospital have together been developed at a cost of Rs 1,340 crore. The airport terminal is set to significantly improve regional air connectivity, with flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Surat in the initial phase. Officials said the improved connectivity would support trade, tourism and economic growth.Namo Hospital, the district hospital for Daman, has been built to handle around 1,500 outpatients daily. The facility is expected to strengthen access to quality healthcare and ease the burden on patients from surrounding areas.The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for projects worth about Rs 1,630 crore. Key initiatives include the Iconic Bridge, the Daman Convention Centre and a National Institute of Fashion Technology campus in Daman. These projects aim to modernize infrastructure, attract investment, generate employment and improve quality of life.BOX:Port facilities at Kalpeni, Kadmat Islands in LakshadweepThe Prime Minister also dedicated projects worth around Rs 885 crore in the Union territory of Lakshadweep. These include the development of port facilities on the eastern and western sides of Kalpeni and Kadmat islands.The multipurpose jetties will allow year-round berthing of large passenger vessels, including cruise ships of up to 300 metres in length. The projects will enable safe and efficient handling of passengers and cargo and provide integrated facilities for fish handling, fuel distribution, ice supply and boat repair.Officials said the initiatives would strengthen maritime links, support fishermen’s livelihoods, promote tourism and contribute to the islands’ socio-economic growth.
