In anticipation of the inauguration of the Ram Temple on January 22, the Ayodhya railway station has been renamed Ayodhya Dham. The renaming of the station was done ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on December 30, where he will inaugurate the new station building. The consecration ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol, known as ‘Pran Pratistha’, is expected to be attended by the Prime Minister, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and over 6,000 people. Prior to the consecration ceremony, PM Modi will also hold a roadshow and address a public meeting after inaugurating an airport in Ayodhya.
The redeveloped railway station is a modern facility with airport-like amenities, designed with traditional temple architecture in mind. As preparations are underway for the Prime Minister’s visit, security personnel are ensuring the safety of the construction workers who are rushing to complete the remaining work. The redevelopment of the railway station has been carried out by RITES Limited, a central public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways. In Ayodhya, shops along the Ram Path and other prominent streets have been adorned with Hindu-themed artwork in preparation for the grand event.
According to PTI, the Ayodhya railway station expansion aligns with the government’s objective of facilitating the travel of devotees visiting the temple for ‘darshan’ and other passengers. Prior to its inauguration, the workers were occupied with embellishing the main central hall, which features a stone inlay work on the floor and a “polycarbonate sheet” on certain sections of its high ceiling, creating a bluish tint.