Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Hercules plane India which brought the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, successfully landed on a motorway in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
The action was carried out to show off India’s success in inaugurating a new toll road which has two main functions on Tuesday (16/11).
Not only for the main access for vehicles, the new toll road is also planned for landing aircraft from the Indian Air Force.
In addition to the Hercules military transport aircraft, the toll road is also a runway for Indian-made French Mirage fighters and Russian-made Su-30MKIs.
“India’s prosperity is as important as national security. This highway is also a new strength for our air force,” Narendra Modi said at a press conference quoted from AFP.
Apart from Uttar Pradesh, India also has a hybrid toll road in the state of Rajashtan, close to the Pakistan border.
India plans to add 12 more main roads that can function as runways for military aircraft. The strengthening is also part of the ‘race’ for the prestige of arms competition with China as well as increasing cooperation with the United States.
Meanwhile, the 350-kilometer-long Purvanchal toll road which Modi inaugurated is also expected by the government to become an economic driver in poor areas.
The expressway will shorten the road trip from the state capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, to the eastern state of Ghazipur from six hours to 3.5 hours. The construction of the toll road will cost up to US$3 billion or equivalent to Rp42.6 trillion.
(bac)
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