"Rising Above: Unveiling Ayodhya's Majestic Maharishi Valmiki International Airport and its Unique Ram Temple-Inspired Design"
Ayodhya's much-anticipated airport is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this Saturday, marking a significant milestone in Uttar Pradesh. With a staggering development cost exceeding Rs 1,450 crore, the newly constructed Ayodhya Airport is poised to serve approximately 10 lakh passengers annually. Named Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham, both the airport and the renovated railway station are designed to embody the cultural and spiritual essence of the holy city, drawing inspiration from the majestic Ram Temple.
In terms of design, the terminal of Ayodhya Airport stands as a grand testament to the city's spiritual significance, echoing the architectural aesthetics of the Ram temple. Intricately crafted illustrations depicting key events from the Ramayana adorn the walls, enhancing the airport's aesthetic appeal. Architect Vipul Varshneya and his team have meticulously designed the airport in the Nagar style, characterized by seven peaks, with the main peak centrally positioned and three each at the front and back. This style, prevalent in North India's temple architecture, pays homage to Lord Rama, with extensive consultations with Ayodhya's saints and scholars and a thorough study of the Skanda Purana influencing the creation of a large mural featuring the bow and arrow.
In terms of functionality, the Ayodhya Airport is set to facilitate direct flights from three cities. Commencing on January 11, 2024, flights between Ahmedabad and Ayodhya will operate thrice a week. The first phase will see flights connecting Ayodhya with Delhi and Ahmedabad. The inaugural flight from Delhi to Ayodhya, scheduled for January 6, is set to depart at 11:55 AM and reach Ayodhya at 1:15 PM. The return flight will leave Ayodhya at 1:45 PM and arrive in Delhi at 3:00 PM. According to Vinay Malhotra, Global Sales Head of Indigo, daily flights between Delhi and Ayodhya will begin on January 10.
For those traveling between Ahmedabad and Ayodhya, flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, starting January 11. The flight schedule includes departures from Ahmedabad at 9:10 AM, arrival in Ayodhya at 11:00 AM, departure from Ayodhya at 11:30 PM, and arrival in Ahmedabad at 1:40 AM. Impressively, the flight is expected to cover the distance between Delhi and Ayodhya in just 1 hour and 20 minutes. This development marks a significant enhancement in connectivity for Ayodhya and underscores its emergence as a key travel destination.