Shivamogga: BJP veteran B S Yediyurappa turned 80 on February 27, 2023 . This birthday was noteworthy since Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the new airport in his hometown of Shivamogga on this day.

 Yediyurappa said that this was a memorable birthday for him though he never believed in celebrating birthdays. He recalled that former prime minister A. B. Vajpayee had attended his 60th birthday and said that it was an unusual circumstance because he never went to birthday celebrations.

Th 8-time Member of Legslative Assembly from Shikaripura Assembly constituency in Shivamogga district has been the chief minister four times, besides serving as leader of opposition thrice.

On the occasion of his birthday, several leaders, including the Prime Minister and Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, welcomed him. In addition to wishing him during a public event held in Shivamogga to honour the opening of the new airport,  Bommai wished him on Twitter.

On Monday Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Shivamogga Airport, including two railway projects – Shivamogga – Shikaripura – Ranebennur new Railway line and Koteganguru Railway coaching depot. Shivamogga airport is grand and beautiful. At this airport, one can see the combination of Karnataka's tradition and technology. This is not just an airport. It is the drive for a new journey of the dreams of the youth of this area," PM Modi said after he inaugurated the airport.

The new railway line, aimed at enhanced connectivity of the Malnad region with the Bangalore-Mumbai mainline, is estimated to be developed at a cost of Rs990 crore. The new coaching depot at Shivamogga will help start new trains from Shivamogga and decongest maintenance facilities at Bangalore and Mysuru, according to a statement.

Later in the day, PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for multiple road development projects estimated at over Rs.215 crore, including construction of new Bypass road for Shikaripura Town on NH 766C connecting Byndur – Ranibennur; widening of NH-169A from Megaravalli to Agumbe; and construction of new bridge at Bharathipura in Thirthahally Taluk on NH 169.

Govt launching special mission for most deprived among tribals: PM

PM to inaugurate Shivamogga airport on Feb 27