In a momentous event preceding the highly anticipated consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Ayodhya’s cutting-edge airport, marking a significant milestone for the city. The visit was not only a symbolic gesture but also a catalyst for transformative infrastructure development, with the Prime Minister laying the foundation stone for 46 projects collectively valued at ₹15,700 crore.
The city of Ayodhya resonated with festive fervor as it welcomed the Prime Minister, adorned with vibrant flowers and welcoming posters strategically placed throughout. Underlining the significance of the occasion, an elaborate security arrangement was put in place to ensure the smooth execution of the event.
Upon arrival, PM Modi embarked on a lively roadshow, connecting with the gathered crowd along the route from the airport to the railway station. The journey was marked by cultural performances, adding a touch of tradition and local flavor to the festivities.
The inauguration extended beyond the airport, encompassing the unveiling of the redeveloped railway station, now named Ayodhya Dham. This three-storey marvel, redeveloped at a cost of ₹240 crore, stands as a certified green building equipped with modern amenities, including lifts, escalators, waiting halls, cloakrooms, and food plazas. Inspired by Lord Ram’s life and the upcoming Ram Temple, the station’s facade features traditional design elements, including a royal ‘mukut’ (crown) atop the structure and a bow depicted on a wall below, symbolizing Ayodhya’s profound association with Lord Ram.
Prime Minister Modi also flagged off six Vande Bharat and two new Amrit Bharat trains, ushering in a new category of superfast passenger trains. Characterized by ‘push-pull’ technology, these trains promise increased speed and enhanced passenger comfort, coupled with improved amenities such as better seats, roomier luggage racks, LED lights, CCTV cameras, and a public information system.
The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham, developed at a staggering cost exceeding ₹1,450 crore, boasts a terminal covering 6,500 sq m. Adorned with vibrant murals depicting various stages of the Ramayana and Lord Ram’s life, the airport is poised to serve approximately 10 lakh passengers annually. Flight operations to and from major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Ahmedabad, are set to commence on January 6, facilitating the expected influx of visitors to the Ram Temple.
The Prime Minister’s agenda included the inauguration of the railway station, train flagging-off, and participation in a public program where he dedicated numerous development projects. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, having inspected the Ayodhya railway station and airport, will welcome PM Modi upon his arrival.
Among the inaugurated projects, those exceeding ₹11,000 crore are earmarked for Ayodhya and its environs. Noteworthy developments include the inauguration of four widened and beautified roads, a medical college, the Ayodhya bypass, a solid waste treatment facility, and five parking and commercial facilities. PM Modi’s visit not only signifies the unveiling of critical infrastructure but also heralds a transformative phase for Ayodhya, emphasizing the government’s commitment to regional growth and development.
