Ahead of the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Maryada Purshottam Shri Ram Ayodhya International Airport on December 30. The airport, valued at over Rs 1,450 crore, marks a significant milestone and will have flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad commencing in January 2024.
The newly-constructed airport’s design is inspired by the spirit of the Ram Mandir, aiming to provide a sense of place for travelers arriving and departing. The terminal building features shikharas of varying heights and decorative columns detailing key events from the Ramayana epic, creating an immersive experience that visually narrates the story of Lord Rama.
On December 30, both IndiGo and Air India Express will operate inaugural flights to Ayodhya, connecting it to major cities. The terminal building spans 6,500 square meters, designed to accommodate 600 peak-hour passengers and handle an annual capacity of 10 lakh passengers.
The second phase of development includes a larger terminal building, spanning 50,000 square meters, with a capacity to handle 3,000 passengers during peak hours and 60 lakh passengers annually. This phase also involves runway extension and additional infrastructure to accommodate larger aircraft.
As Ayodhya gears up for the grand consecration ceremony on January 22, the new airport is poised to play a crucial role as a major gateway to the temple town.
