PM to inaugurate slew of facilities at Peikarumbu

As Modi is expected to inaugurate the memorial, a series of other events were also planned.  But they were dropped and replaced by other programmes at different stages. Similarly, the place for the stage has been changed for the third time. 

Initially, it was planned at Peikarumbu, the spot opposite to the memorial. But as it was too close to the railway line it was dropped citing security reasons.  Later, it was shifted to Mandapam on the ground close to the helipad. But this too has been changed now and the stage will be set up inside the Coast Guard staff quarters at Mandapam. So, workers are dismantling the stage that was set up at the Mandapam helipad and the materials are being shifted to the Coast Guard quarters ground. 

Similarly, the programme schedule at Kalam memorial has also witnessed a huge change. Officials of DRDO said, after inaugurating the memorial Modi would look at the paintings and photos of Kalam displayed in the memorial. He would then launch facilities such as the deep sea fishing scheme and flag off a new train from Rameswaram to Ayodhya. 

At Peikarumbu, Modi would flag off a bus which would display the scientific inventions of Kalam and books authored by him. The bus would begin its journey from Rameswaram and wind up at the Rashtrapati Bhavan after crossing and halting at various towns and cities. The Kalam memorial at Peikarumbu near Rameswaram is nearing completion.

Though the 9.5 km-road to Dhanushkodi had been completed, the inauguration is likely to be delayed as officials claim that still many facilities regarding safety of tourists are not in place at Dhanushkodi. 

Government had constructed a road from Mukuntarayachatram in Rameswaram to Arichalmunai in Dhanushkodi to facilitate tourism. Owing to heavy wind, sand had covered the entire road on various occasions and the road too was damaged. Officials of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and some local politicians had planned to request the Prime Minister to inaugurate the Dhanushkodi Road during his visit to Kalam memorial. But, as  no proper facilities were set up at Dhanushkodi, the inauguration is likely to be postponed. 

A police outpost should be set up and as the sea is rough at Dhanushkodi, warning placards and boards need to be placed on the beach. At present tourists can reach Dhanushkodi only in vehicles. Apart from that, no facility is available to attract tourists. District administration has made a lot of plans to develop tourism in Dhanushkodi and they would be gradual. But security features would be added immediately and the road would then be inaugurated, said the official.