AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA PRESS RELEASE Statue of Bharat Ratna Lal Bhadur Shastri unveiled at LBSI Airport,Varanasi Varanasi, February 02, 2014Today Sri Ajit Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation unveiled statue of Bharat Ratna Lal Bahadur Shastri, Ex-Prime Minister of India in the august presence of members of Shastriji’s family member including Sri Sunil Shastri & Sri Anil Shastri, Mayor, Varanasi Sri Ram Gopal Mohaley, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Machhlisahar Sri Toofani Saroj, MLA, Kolasala Sri Ajay Rai & other dignitaries. While addressing the gathering, all speakers remembered Shastriji for his simplicity, probity in public life. Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation Sri Ajit Singh while addressing the gathering emphasized the importance of Airports particularly with reference to changing paradigm shift towards providing economic & sustainable growth to the catchment areas they serve and highlighted the potential of airports in generating employment opportunities. He also mentioned about the plans of his ministry in development of airports in general in the country and in particular the development of seven airports in the state of UP. He highlighted the endeavour of Ministry of Civil Aviation to undertake activities to initiate sustainable activities so as to induce growth in the civil aviation sector in an equitable and inclusive manner and taking pro-active measures to provide affordable air-connectivity in Tier-II & III cities in remote and interior areas of the country. He further elaborated that his Ministry is in the process of formulation of policy for promotion of regional and remote area connectivity by evolving a workable model towards development of low cost airports which is expected to bring down the cost of air travel significantly, over a period of time, thus making it within the reach of common man; including discussions with the State Governments for handing over state owned non-operational airstrips to Airports Authority of India for developing these for civil operation. He emphasized that airports in Uttar Pradesh with enhanced connectivity will give the desired impetus to trade, commerce and economy of the State in a sustained manner. Sri Ajit Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation unveiling the statue of Bharat Ratna Lal Bhadur Shastri at LBSI Airport, Varanasi in a public function held on 2nd February, 2014 at Varanasi Airport; also seen in the picture are Sri Anil Shastri, Sri Sunil Shastri(son) & Sri Adarsh Shastri(Grandson) Statue of Bharat Ratna Lal Bahadur Shastri Ex-Prime Minister installed at LBSI Airport, Varanasi – picture taken immediately after the unveiling function. Function was held on 2nd February, 2014 at Varanasi Airport. The statue was unveiled by Sri Ajit Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation __________________________________________________________________________________ Issued by Public Relations Department For details please contact G S Bawa, GM(PR), 9810025069, 011-24622787 No. 52/2013-14 .