Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ayodhya today to inaugurate the revamped Ayodhya Dham Junction and the newly built Maharishi Valmiki International Airport. The prime minister’s visit to the temple town was met with great enthusiasm as he was welcomed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Modi flagged off eight trains virtually, including two Amrit Bharat Trains from the Ayodhya Dham Junction and six Vande Bharat Express Trains. This marks a significant step in improving connectivity and transportation in the region.
The newly built Ayodhya Airport, named the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, will begin functioning from January 6. With an investment of over Rs 1450 crore, the airport is expected to serve nearly 10 lakh passengers annually. The terminal building, spanning an area of 6500 sqm, showcases the architectural style of the upcoming Shri Ram Mandir of Ayodhya. Inside, the terminal is adorned with local art, paintings, and murals depicting the life of Bhagwan Shri Ram.
The Ayodhya airport is also designed with sustainability in mind. It features an insulated roofing system, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, landscaping with fountains, a water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant, and a solar power plant. These eco-friendly features have earned the airport a GRIHA 5-star rating.
In addition to the airport inauguration, the Ayodhya Dham Junction has undergone a major transformation. The redeveloped railway station, with an investment of 240 crore, now boasts a three-storey facility with food plazas and waiting rooms. Renamed Ayodhya Dham Junction, the station aims to enhance the travel experience for passengers.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to address a public meeting and lay the foundation stones of 46 infrastructure projects. These projects, worth about Rs 11100 crore, are dedicated to the development of Ayodhya and its surrounding areas. Furthermore, projects worth about Rs 4600 crore across Uttar Pradesh will also be inaugurated.
The prime minister’s visit holds great significance as it comes less than a month before the Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration on January 22. The government is committed to developing world-class infrastructure, improving connectivity, and preserving the rich heritage of Ayodhya, the city of Lord Shri Ram.
In a post on social media, Prime Minister Modi expressed his determination to prioritize the development of Ayodhya. He stated, “Our government is determined to develop world-class infrastructure, improve connectivity, and preserve the rich heritage of Ayodhya, the city of Lord Shri Ram. In this direction, I will inaugurate the newly constructed airport and redeveloped railway station tomorrow.”
The prime minister’s visit to Ayodhya showcases the government’s commitment to the overall development of the region. The revamped Ayodhya Dham Junction and the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport will play a crucial role in boosting tourism, improving connectivity, and preserving the cultural heritage of Ayodhya.
