Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a landmark visit to Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, unveiling an array of transformative projects and laying the foundation stones for initiatives amounting to a staggering ₹15,700 crores. This visit holds immense significance as it precedes the consecration of the Ram Temple scheduled for January 22.
The inauguration, slated to commence at 11:15 am IST, features the unveiling of Ayodhya airport, now named Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, and the Ayodhya Dham Junction railway station, among other pivotal projects. A total of six Vande Bharat and two Amrit Bharat trains are set to be flagged off, accompanied by additional rail initiatives, contributing to the town’s infrastructural growth.
Ayodhya is currently adorned in anticipation of the grand temple’s imminent opening, marking the culmination of a seven-day consecration ceremony starting January 16. At the heart of the temple, a 51-inch-tall idol of Lord Ram, depicting his five-year-old self, will be consecrated. A community vote determined the chosen design for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, with the Ram Janmbhoomi Teertha Kshetra trust unanimously selecting one among three options.
Notably, the airport’s Phase 1 has been executed at a cost exceeding ₹14500 million ($174.18 million). The terminal building, spanning 6500 sqm, is equipped to accommodate approximately 10 lakh passengers annually, reflecting a significant boost to regional connectivity and tourism.
As the nation eagerly awaits the consecration of the Ram Temple, PM Modi’s comprehensive initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to fostering development and enhancing connectivity in Ayodhya, positioning it as a key cultural and infrastructural hub. The collective impact of these initiatives is poised to leave an indelible mark on the town’s landscape, symbolizing a new era of progress and prosperity.