Sustainable excellence at Maharishi Valmiki International Airport’s first phase.

In a strategic move to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated key projects during his recent visit to the temple town. The event included the unveiling of the redeveloped Ayodhya Dham Railway Station and the inauguration of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, along with the announcement of several new railway projects.

The centerpiece of the development is the three-storey Ayodhya Dham Railway Station, featuring modern amenities such as lifts, escalators, food plazas, shops for puja necessities, child care rooms, and waiting halls. Designed to be ‘accessible for all’ and certified as a green station building by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the station aims to provide a seamless experience for travelers and pilgrims.

A significant part of the announcement is the introduction of eight new trains, with a total estimated cost of Rs 15,000 crore. These initiatives are strategically aligned with the impending opening of the Ram Mandir in January 2024, aiming to facilitate easier access for devotees.

Among the notable additions are the Amrit Bharat superfast trains connecting Darbhanga to Delhi’s Anand Vihar Terminal and Malda to Bengaluru’s Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminus. Additionally, six Vande Bharat trains were flagged off, further enhancing connectivity to Ayodhya from various parts of the country.

Prime Minister Modi also dedicated railway projects worth Rs 2,300 crore, including the Rooma Chakeri-Chanderi third line project, Jaunpur-Tulsi Nagar, Akbarpur-Ayodhya, Sohawal-Patranga, Safdarganj-Rasauli sections of the Jaunpur-Ayodhya-Barabanki doubling project, and the doubling and electrification project of the Malhaur-Daliganj railway section.

Highlighting the significance of these projects, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to developing world-class infrastructure, improving connectivity, and preserving the rich heritage of Ayodhya.

In parallel, the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport’s first phase, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,450 crore, is poised to serve approximately 10 lakh passengers annually. The airport boasts a 2200-meter runway suitable for A321-type aircraft, two link taxiways, and an apron capable of parking eight A321-type aircraft. Its terminal building, equipped with sustainable features, reflects a commitment to environmentally conscious development.

As Ayodhya prepares for the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol at the newly built Ram Temple on January 22, these infrastructure projects are strategically aligned to accommodate a surge in tourism. The developments are expected to positively impact the local economy and offer procurement professionals opportunities for collaboration and engagement in the burgeoning projects. The unveiling of these initiatives marks a pivotal moment in Ayodhya’s growth trajectory, presenting lucrative prospects for project procurement professionals in the region.