SRINAGAR: A media delegation from Kashmir on Wednesday called on Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kuniyil Kailashnathan at Lok Niwas during a press exposure tour to Chennai organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar.
During the hour-long interaction, Kailashnathan shared his vision for the development of Puducherry and said he envisaged transforming the Union Territory into a major medical tourism hub.
The delegation was informed that Puducherry, with a population of around 15 lakh, has seven medical colleges, including the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), an institution of national importance.
The Lieutenant Governor also briefed the journalists about ongoing infrastructure projects in the Union Territory. The runway of the airport is being expanded from the existing 1,500 metres to 2,500 metres to facilitate the operation of larger commercial aircraft.
The expansion is expected to strengthen direct air connectivity and increase tourist arrivals, the delegation was informed. Railway and road expansion works are also expected to be completed by 2028.
During discussions on Kashmir’s industrial development, Kailashnathan said the Jammu and Kashmir government needed to provide incentives, including tax holidays and cheaper power, to attract industrial investment.
He also stressed further improvement of transport infrastructure, while noting that connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir had improved to a considerable extent with the expansion of railway links with the rest of the country.
The interaction also covered Kailashnathan’s administrative career and his vision for Puducherry’s development, providing the visiting journalists an opportunity to gain an understanding of the Union Territory’s administrative and development initiatives.
The delegation is on a press tour to Chennai from September 13 to 19, organised by PIB Srinagar. During the tour, the journalists are visiting various institutions and infrastructure projects and interacting with senior officials and beneficiaries.
Later on Wednesday, the delegation visited the Auroville Foundation, an experimental spiritual township, where its members interacted with residents.
The visit is aimed at enabling the journalists to observe development initiatives and document the impact of public welfare schemes at the grassroots level as part of the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
