It was a memorable moment for people of Garo hills in Meghalaya. After a gap of long 56 years they got chance to have a glimpse of their President.

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil visited the Garo hills yesterday and inaugurated the Baljek airport in Tura in Meghalaya. Baljek becomes the second airport in the hilly state.

The President congratulated the people of the state in a function organized at the newly inaugurated airport for focusing on building, critical infrastructure for development and said progress and prosperity cannot be realized without adequate infrastructure and a network of connectivity.

She said "In a large country like India, and especially in areas which are relatively remote, connectivity by road, rail and air is vital for its development. The opening of this airport should encourage tourism, which is an important engine for growth."

The President was hopeful that the new airport will make it possible to send local products to new markets.

"I am told that the flowers - orchids and Anthuriums, some of my favorites, grow well in this part of Meghalaya. We would see these flowers from here going to different parts of India and also overseas, one flight starts operating." She added.

In 1952 Dr Rajendra Prasad had visited the beautiful Garo hills.