Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped Ayodhya Dham Railway Station and the newly built Maharishi Valmiki International Airport during a visit to the temple town.
The visit came ahead of the consecration of the Ram temple on January 22, 2024. PM Modi laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 15,700 crore in the state. These include projects worth about Rs 11,100 crore for the development of Ayodhya and its surrounding areas and projects worth about Rs 4,600 crore related to other projects across Uttar Pradesh.
The Prime Minister expressed happiness on naming Ayodhya Airport after Maharishi Valmiki. He said Maharishi Valmiki’s Ramayana is the path of knowledge that connects us to Shri Ram. Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in modern India will connect us to Ayodhya Dham and the divine-grand-new Ram temple. In the first phase, the airport can handle 10 lakh passengers annually and after the second phase, Maharishi Valmiki International Airport will cater to 60 lakh commuters annually.
Phase 1 of the state-of-the-art airport is developed at a cost of more than Rs 1,450 crore. The airport’s terminal building will have an area of 6500 sqm, equipped to serve about 10 lakh passengers annually. The facade of the Terminal Building depicts the temple architecture of the upcoming Shri Ram Mandir of Ayodhya. The interiors of the terminal Building are decorated with local art, paintings & murals depicting the life of Bhagwan Shri Ram. The terminal building of Ayodhya airport is also equipped with various sustainability features like an insulated roofing system, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, landscaping with fountains, a water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant, solar power plant, and many other such features have been provided to meet GRIHA – 5-star ratings. The airport will improve connectivity in the region, leading to a boost in tourism, business activities, and employment opportunities.
Reportedly, large hotel chains and investors are rushing to Ayodhya to capitalize on the tourism boom. The Uttar Pradesh Housing and Development Board is holding an online hotel land auction. Hospitality and travel services companies, including IHCL, Marriott, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, have signed deals for Ayodhya hotels due to infrastructure development. Five branded hotels with 520 rooms are under construction.
Industry experts expect Ayodhya hotel development to cost INR 350 crore, with most hotels opening after 2024. Sarovar Hotels & Resorts will open its 80-room Park Inn by Radisson to coincide with the city’s rise. Major hospitality companies are interested in pilgrimage travel to Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram.
