The new airport in Ayodhya will be named Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham, news agency ANI reported citing sources. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate this airport on December 30. This inauguration aligns with the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir on January 22, with both the airport and a refurbished railway station drawing inspiration from the revered temple's grandeur and cultural significance.
Prime Minister Modi will unveil projects valued at over Rs 11,100 crore for enhancing civic amenities and fostering infrastructural development in Ayodhya. An additional Rs 4,600 crore has been allocated for projects across Uttar Pradesh. The inaugural phase of the airport, initially named Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport, will commence operations on January 6. Airlines have strategised flights linking major cities, anticipating the daily pilgrim influx to the Ram Temple post-consecration.
READ | PM Modi To Visit Ayodhya On Dec 30, To Unveil Infrastructure Projects Worth Over Rs 11,000 Crore
Constructed at an initial investment exceeding Rs 1,450 crore, the cutting-edge airport boasts a terminal spanning 6,500 square metres, poised to accommodate approximately 10 lakh passengers annually.
According to a Times Of India report, the exterior design mirrors the architectural brilliance of the Ram temple, while the interiors showcase intricate local art, paintings, and murals narrating Lord Ram's saga. Furthermore, the facility incorporates eco-friendly elements such as LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, and solar power infrastructure, aiming to achieve a prestigious five-star GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) certification. This development is expected to bolster regional connectivity, catalysing tourism, commercial ventures, and employment prospects.
An India Today report revealed that on December 30, both IndiGo and Air India Express will initiate flights to this new aviation hub. The airlines have already publicised routes from Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad to Ayodhya, slated to commence operations in January 2024.
The subsequent developmental phase, as per reports, entails constructing a spacious terminal covering 50,000 square metres, facilitating 3,000 passengers during peak times and catering to 60 lakh travellers annually. This phase will also see runway extensions and additional infrastructure to accommodate larger aircraft and enhance operational efficiency.