Modern airport, railway station mark PM Modi’s big Ayodhya makeover
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ayodhya on December 30 marked another round of launch of development projects, with the inauguration/ foundation stone-laying of projects worth Rs 11,100 crore. Ayodhya city, which is decking up for the opening of the Ram temple next month, has been gifted a new airport terminal, a greenfield township, a refurbished railway station and four pathways.
Here’s why two of the projects, the airport and railway station, promise to be transformative for the city’s future.
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport
The Ayodhya airport, now called the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, is modelled on the upcoming Ram temple. Located about 15 km from the main city, the first phase of the airport has been developed at a cost of over Rs 1,450 crore. The terminal building’s facade reflects temple architecture. The terminal, spread over 6,500 square metres, is built to cater to a million passengers annually.
Officials in the know of the project said the terminal building integrates various modern and sustainable elements, such as insulated roofing, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, water and sewage treatment and solar power. The interiors are decorated with local art, paintings and murals depicting the life of Lord Ram.
Officials added that to reflect local heritage and culture, the architecture of the airport has been designed to mirror aspects physically and metaphorically linked to Lord Ram’s journey.
