PM Modi Inaugurates Ayodhya’s Maharishi Valmiki International Airport and Redeveloped Railway Station
Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Ayodhya Dham, receiving a warm welcome from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel. During his visit, he is scheduled to inaugurate the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya Dham, along with the renovated railway station, marking the beginning of preparations for the upcoming grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22.
Inauguration Schedule and Key Projects
Prime Minister Modi kicked off the day with the inauguration of the renovated Ayodhya railway station, marking the commencement of new Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains. The official unveiling of the newly constructed Ayodhya airport will follow. Later in the day, a public event is scheduled, during which the Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone for numerous development projects valued at over Rs 15,000 crore in the state.
These projects encompass initiatives totaling about Rs 11,100 crore focused on the development of Ayodhya and its surroundings. Additionally, approximately Rs 4,600 crore is allocated for various projects across Uttar Pradesh.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure and Sustainability Features
The newly inaugurated Ayodhya airport, developed in Phase 1 at a cost exceeding Rs 1,450 crore, boasts a terminal building covering 6,500 sqm. Adorned with the architectural essence of the forthcoming Shri Ram Mandir, the airport’s facade pays homage to the city’s rich heritage. Inside, local art, paintings, and murals depicting the life of Bhagwan Shri Ram adorn the terminal.
Notably, the airport incorporates sustainable features, including an insulated roofing system, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, landscaping with fountains, water treatment and sewage treatment plants, and a solar power plant, earning it a coveted GRIHA 5-star rating. The airport is poised to enhance regional connectivity, fostering tourism, business activities, and employment opportunities.
The redeveloped Ayodhya Railway Station, known as Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station, was developed at a cost exceeding Rs 240 crore. The three-storey modern railway station is equipped with lifts, escalators, food plazas, shops for puja needs, cloakrooms, child care rooms, and waiting halls. Importantly, the station is ‘accessible for all’ and is an ‘IGBC-certified green station building.’
Prime Minister Modi’s vision for Ayodhya centers around developing world-class infrastructure while preserving the city’s rich history and heritage. The newly inaugurated airport and railway station, along with other civic amenities, mark significant strides towards realizing this vision, promising a transformed Ayodhya with enhanced connectivity and modern facilities.
