NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced that the current lockdown will be extended till May 3, saying it is very necessary to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

In a televised address to the nation, Modi said implementation of the lockdown will be strictly ensured in coming days to ensure that the virus does not spread to new areas,

The prime minister said detailed guidelines on implementation of the new lockdown will be announced on Wednesday.

Some relaxations may be allowed after April 20 in places where there is no hotspot, he said.

He said India has managed to contain the spread of infection well due to its holistic approach in dealing with the crisis and sacrifices made by people of the country in the fight produced positive results.

Modi said India received huge benefits from the 21-day lockdown in checking the pandemic and added that the country has dealt with the situation better with limited resources.

The lockdown that came into effect on March 25 was to expire on midnight of April 14.

The drastic measure shone the spotlight on the miseries of lakhs of migrant workers whose journeys on foot from several urban centres to their villages hundreds of kilometres away grabbed headlines for many days last month.

The catastrophic effect of the lockdown on the overall economy and livelihoods of lakhs of migrant workers triggered severe concerns following which a number of chief ministers in their video conference with Modi on Saturday sought some kind of relaxation for a number of sectors.

Late last month, the government announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore package aimed at providing relief to those hit hard by the lockdown as well as an insurance cover for healthcare professionals handling virus infected people.

The highlights of PM Modi's address to the nation:

"India will have to extend the lockdown till May 3".

"We must ensure that new hotspots do not spring up. Hotspots will see enhanced lockdown measures. For this, the nation will face stricter lockdown measures till April 20".

"Essential activities may be allowed in areas which show improvement after April 20 in coronavirus fight."

"Easing the difficulty of poor people, farmers is among my top priorities."

"We will review the progress in all the areas".

"The country has benefited from social distancing and lockdown. Yes, we had to pay a price but that's not more important than the lives of Indians."

"India didn't wait for the crisis to aggravate. Many developed nations are facing challenges in fighting against the spread... statistics are a proof".

"You people have helped save the nation. I am aware of the challenges you all are facing. Some of you are away from home, others are finding challenges in getting food, other essentials. I bow to all of you."

"Our resolve to fight the pandemic is true tribute to Baba Saheb Ambedkar. The country has shown 'we the people of india' spirit during lockdown."

"I pray for the good health of your family."