PUNE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi , recently laid the foundation stone of the Purvanchal Expressway in Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing a large public gathering, he described the occasion as the start of a new chapter in the development journey of the state. He praised the leadership provided by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the state, and said the state government is working to create an atmosphere conducive for development.

The PM said that the 340 kilometer long Purvanchal Expressway would transform the towns and cities that it passes through. It would also provide swifter connectivity between Delhi and Ghazipur, he added. He said new industry, and institutions can develop along the Expressway. He said the Expressway would also boost tourism in the places of historical significance in the region.

He said that connectivity is necessary for development today. He said the National Highway network in Uttar Pradesh has almost doubled in four years. In this context, the Prime Minister also spoke of initiatives in air connectivity and water connectivity. He added that an effort is being made to make the eastern part of the country, a new corridor of development.

On digital connectivity, he mentioned that optical fibre connectivity had been provided for one lakh Panchayats so far, and added that three lakh Common Service Centres are now making the lives of people simpler.

