Ayodhya's railway station on Wednesday was renamed "Ayodhya Dham Junction" ahead of the anticipated inauguration of the Ram Mandir in the city. Lallu Singh, the Member of Parliament for Ayodhya, announced the change in a recent post on X.
Singh stated, "With guidance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ayodhya Junction is now officially known as #अयोध्या_धाम_जंक्शन, aligning with public sentiments."
Check Out The Post Here:
Ayodhya Railway Junction is illuminated with colourful lights.
The renovated Ayodhya railway station awaits its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30. According to a PTI report, officials from multiple agencies inspected the site on Wednesday to finalise preparations for the prime minister's visit. Amidst the bustling activity, a significant security presence ensured safety, allowing construction to progress swiftly.
RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic Service) Limited, a public sector entity under the Ministry of Railways, spearheaded the redevelopment that commenced two years ago. A senior RITES official highlighted the station's modern features while emphasising its traditional façade, inspired by the forthcoming Ram temple.
Speaking to PTI on the condition of anonymity, the official described the building's frontage, adorned with sandstone cladding and tall round pillars, echoing traditional aesthetics. The design elements, such as the royal 'mukut' resemblance atop the station and a bow motif below, pay homage to Ayodhya's deep-rooted connection with Lord Ram.
The station's elongated structure, spanning three floors—ground, mezzanine, and first—features 'shikhar' at each corner facing the tracks and chhatri-style structures at its ends. While the façade underwent minor design modifications, it integrates a taxi bay, expanded porch, and provisions for infant care, retiring rooms, food plaza, and future retail spaces, the report said.
Within its confines, passengers will find spacious waiting areas, cloakrooms, toilet facilities, lifts, escalators, and contemporary signage, complemented by a dedicated tourist information counter. As the inaugural date approaches, decorators are enhancing the central hall with intricate stone inlay flooring and a polycarbonate sheet ceiling, casting a unique bluish tint, as per the PTI report.
Spanning 144m in length, including the round pillars, and 44m in width, the station stands 11.7m tall. Notably, it aligns with green building standards and incorporates rainwater harvesting capabilities.