The inauguration of the state-of-the-art Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, took place on Saturday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the event. Alongside the unveiling of the redeveloped Ayodhya railway station, the Prime Minister also flagged off two Amrit Bharat and six Vande Bharat trains, some virtually.
The first phase of this advanced airport project has been completed at a cost exceeding ₹1450 crore. The terminal building spans an area of 6,500 sqm and is designed to accommodate approximately 10 lakh passengers annually. Notably, the architectural design of the terminal building showcases the upcoming Ram Mandir of Ayodhya.
Inside the terminal building, visitors will be greeted by local art, paintings, and murals depicting the life of Lord Ram. Moreover, the Ayodhya airport terminal is equipped with various sustainable features, including an insulated roofing system, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, fountains, a water treatment plant, a sewage treatment plant, a solar power plant, and other amenities that have earned it a GRIHA – 5-star rating.
A number of other new projects will be initiated, contributing to the enhancement and renovation of civic facilities in and around the temple town as the foundation stones are laid.
Here are some key details about Ayodhya’s Maharishi Valmiki International Airport:
- The airport has received a license from the Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) to operate flights.
- In the first phase, it features a runway that is 2,200 meters long and 45 meters wide, capable of accommodating Airbus A320, ATR-72, and Bombardier private jets for landing and take-off.
- The airport will be expanded in three phases on 821 acres of land, with the runway being extended to 3,200 meters in the second phase to accommodate international flights.
- The runway is equipped with a Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Range (DVOR) radio navigation system, which helps aircraft determine their flight position and direction using VHF signals between 108.00 and 117.95 MHz.
- The airport, constructed at a cost of ₹1462.97 crore, showcases the life journey of Lord Ram and features unique architecture in the ‘Nagara Style’, adorned with scriptures, providing a culturally rich experience for passengers.
- Various levels of the airport display depictions of Lord Ram, as mentioned in a government release.
- Outside the airport, there is a mural depicting a bow and arrow, symbolizing the enduring efforts of Lord Ram.
- The airport’s landscaping is inspired by the use of colors representing the five elements (Panch Tatva).
- The primary structure of the airport showcases 7 pillars, each intricately portraying significant events from the Ramayana.
- Furthermore, the airport exhibits two distinct types of mural plaques, namely ‘Daivik and Khandika’. Additionally, a wall mural dedicated to Lord Hanuman has been installed, depicting his entire journey. The airport also proudly presents a magnificent 3-storey high ‘Ram Darbar’ and a depiction of the Sita-Ram marriage in the form of Madhubani painting, providing a captivating experience for visitors.
- According to the announcement, starting from January 11, there will be daily operations of three flights between Ahmedabad and Ayodhya. Moreover, on January 6, the first flight between Delhi and Ayodhya will take off. Once the initial operations commence, the process of operating international flights from this airport will begin, ultimately connecting Ayodhya to the global circuit, which will be a moment of great pride.
