Ayodhya is getting a 'state-of-the-art' airport today that is packed with modern amenities but has been built on the theme of Lord Ram's life
In big boost to local economy and religious tourism, Ayodhya on Saturday is getting a brand-new airport which will have a combination of modern amenities and a touch of tradition with themes from the life of Lord Ram used to decorate the premises.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is inaugurating on Saturday the Phase 1 of "state-of-the-art" Ayodhya airport which has been developed at a cost of more than Rs 1,450 crore and on an area of 6,500 sqm.
A PMO release said the airport is equipped to serve about 10 lakh passengers annually, adding that the facade of the terminal building depicts the architecture of the upcoming Ram Mandir of Ayodhya.
Official sources said the airport will be named "Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham", after the saint who wrote the epic "Ramayana". Valmiki also enjoys a large following, especially among Dalits.
All About Ayodhya Airport
-According to a press release by Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the airport terminal building will have an area of 6,500 sqm and will be equipped to serve about 10 lakh passengers annually.
-The facade of the Terminal Building depicts the temple architecture of the upcoming Shri Ram Mandir of Ayodhya.
-The interiors of the terminal Building are decorated with local art, paintings, and murals depicting the life of Bhagwan Shri Ram.
-The terminal building of Ayodhya Airport is also equipped with various sustainability features like an insulated roofing system, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, landscaping with fountains, a water treatment plant, a sewage treatment plant, a solar power plant, and many other such features have been provided to meet GRIHA – 5-star ratings.
-While the core of the newly built airport, located about 15 km from the main Ayodhya City, uses modern construction material, the facade of the terminal has been lent a traditional look as done in the new building of the Ayodhya station.
-Even the main gateway has been built similarly, carrying a concrete core and cladding of sandstone bearing stylized carvings.
Massive Preparations For PM Modi's Visit
Massive preparations and arrangements have been put in place for the visit of PM Modi, who will inaugurate the Ayodhya airport at around 12:15pm.
The main road that leads from Sitapur Road side to the airport has been decked up with posters featuring PM Modi, and a welcome message.
Ornamental lamp posts have been installed on this route while greenery on the median adds to the aesthetic look of the area. Huge welcoming posters with images of pm Modi and describing Ayodhya as a holy city have also been put up on the Ayodhya bypass while many houses along that road now carry on their rooftops saffron flags with images of Lord Ram or Lord Hanuman and the chant 'Jai Shri Ram', a news agency PTI report mentioned.
Inaugural Flight by IndiGo
The Ayodhya airport has an extended runway suitable for A-321/B-737 type aircraft operations. Airliner IndiGo earlier this month said that it would operate the inaugural flight from the national capital to Ayodhya Airport on December 30 and the commercial services will commence on January 6.
This will be followed by tri-weekly flights between Ahmedabad and Ayodhya from January 11, the airliner had said.
The grand consecration ceremony and inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is to be held on January 22. While the consecration ceremony will take place on January 22, the inauguration of Ram Mandir will take place over seven days, starting January 16.
