India took another major step ahead of its space journey on Wednesday as Indian space agency ISRO's fifth generation heavy lift launch vehicle GSLV Mark III D2 successfully placed communication satellite GSAT-29 in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.The 3423 kg satellite carries Ka and Ku band high throughput transponders. It will provide communication services to remote places in the North East and Jammu and Kashmir.

Congratulating ISRO, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, 'My heartiest congratulations to our scientists on the successful launch of GSLV MK III-D2 carrying GSAT-29 satellite. The double success sets a new record of putting the heaviest satellite in orbit by an Indian launch vehicle. @isro'

President Kovind also greet the team ISRO, “Congratulations to @ISRO scientists on the successful launch of GSLV Mk III-D2 carrying GSAT-29 satellite. This is the heaviest satellite launched from India and will provide digital connectivity to many parts of our country, including J&K and the Northeast “.

ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Sivan said that the successful launch would further make stronger the Digital India initiative.The launch vehicle GSLV Mark III D2 placed the satellite  in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, a little over 16 minutes after the lift off  at 1708 hrs on Wednesday.

The satellite will be placed in its final Geostationary Orbit using the onboard propulsion system within the next few days following partition from launcher to arrive at the orbital slot.