Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with Union Minister of State Civil Aviation General (retd) VK Singh, reached Ayodhya’s Maharishi Valmiki Ayodhya Dham Airport in preparation for its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. Both ministers assessed the arrangements before the much-anticipated dedication of the first airport in the sacred temple town to the nation.
Prime Minister Modi, who arrived in Ayodhya earlier on Saturday, received a warm welcome from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel. The Prime Minister’s cavalcade through the streets of Ayodhya witnessed a thunderous reception, with locals lining the route and showering petals as a gesture of joy and respect. PM Modi, seen waving at the enthusiastic crowd, took a lap of honour on his way to the Ayodhya railway station.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the redeveloped Ayodhya railway station and flagged off the new Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains. Additionally, he dedicated several other railway projects to the nation, marking a significant milestone in the infrastructure development of the temple city.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in a public program where he will inaugurate, dedicate to the nation, and lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects valued at more than Rs 15,000 crore in the state. These projects include initiatives worth about Rs 11,100 crore for the development of Ayodhya and its surrounding areas, along with projects valued at approximately Rs 4600 crore related to various regions across Uttar Pradesh.
The state-of-the-art Ayodhya airport, developed in Phase 1 at a cost exceeding Rs 1450 crore, features a terminal building covering 6500 sqm and is equipped to serve about 10 lakh passengers annually. The airport’s Terminal Building facade is adorned with the temple architecture of the upcoming Shri Ram Mandir of Ayodhya. To enhance connectivity in the region, the airport is expected to contribute to increased tourism, business activities, and employment opportunities.
As part of the day’s festivities, foundation stones for several new projects will be laid, contributing to the beautification and overall enhancement of civic facilities in and around the temple town. The collective efforts mark a pivotal moment in Ayodhya’s development, aligning with the government’s commitment to holistic growth and prosperity.