The Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-day visit in Gujarat by offering prayers at the Dwarkadheesh Temple at Dwarka on Friday.

PM Modi unveiled plaques to mark the laying of foundation stones for a bridge between Okha and Beyt Dwarka; and other road development projects, said an official statement.

He said the bridge is a means to reconnect with our ancient heritage. It will boost tourism, which will generate employment and added that development will be the key to promoting tourism.

He also recalled how lack of infrastructure, led to difficulties and challenges for the people of Beyt Dwarka, some years ago, said the statement.

PM Modi said that the development of the tourism sector cannot happen in isolation. He said that if we want to draw more tourists to Gir, we should also inspire the tourists to visit other nearby places like Dwarka.

We want development of ports and port-led development; the blue economy should help further the progress of India, he added.

The Prime Minister said that the Government of India is taking steps towards the empowerment of fishermen.

PM Modi said that the Government is modernising the marine security apparatus. An institute for this will be set up in this Devbhoomi of Dwarka, he added.

The Prime Minister said that the world’s attention is being drawn to India, and people are coming to invest here. “I see Gujarat contributing actively to the development of India and congratulate the Gujarat Government,” the Prime Minister added.

Next on his itinerary is the foundation stone-laying ceremony of a Rs 2,500-crore Rajkot International Airport on the outskirts of biggest city in Saurashtra.

He would also address a public rally at the pilgrim town of Chotila in Surendranagar district just an hour’s drive from Rajkot.

PM Modi would then inaugurate the new building of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) near Gandhinagar.

On 8 October, the Prime Minister will visit Vadnagar. This will be PM Modi’s first visit to the town, since assuming the office of Prime Minister. He will visit the Hatkeshwar Temple. At a public meeting, the Prime Minister will launch the Intensified Mission Indradhanush, to accelerate progress towards the goal of full immunisation coverage. The Prime Minister will distribute e-tablets to health workers to mark the launch of ImTeCHO.

Less than a fortnight ago, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who toured the Saurashtra region for a three-day campaign, also began his visit with prayers at the Dwarkadheesh temple and subsequently paid salutations to the local deity in Chotila.

(With agency inputs)