With the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla at the Ayodhya temple approaching, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that around 100 chartered planes are expected to land at Ayodhya airport on January 22, marking the ‘Pran Pratishtha Day’ of the Ram Temple. Adityanath expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing the fourth international airport to Uttar Pradesh, inaugurating the Ayodhya airport on December 30, 2023.
In response to the upcoming event, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with Union Minister VK Singh and other senior officials, launched the first tri-weekly flights between Ahmedabad and Ayodhya. Yogi Adityanath received the boarding pass for the inaugural tri-weekly flights, underscoring the significance of the connectivity.
The Ayodhya airport, named Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, was inaugurated on December 30, 2023. Speaking at a public event, PM Modi highlighted the cultural and historical importance of Maharishi Valmiki’s Ramayana, connecting it to the teachings of Shri Ram.
In the initial phase, the state-of-the-art airport can handle 10 lakh passengers annually, with plans for expansion to cater to 60 lakh commuters after the second phase. The terminal building, covering an area of 6500 sq m, is designed to serve about 10 lakh passengers annually, with its facade reflecting the architecture of the upcoming Shri Ram Mandir.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has taken over the security of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, ensuring robust safety measures under the supervision of a Deputy Commandant rank officer.
In parallel, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented a comprehensive security plan, incorporating advanced measures for traffic management. The Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) is integrated with 1500 public CCTV cameras across the city, providing vigilant surveillance. Ayodhya’s yellow zone will feature 10,715 AI-based cameras with face recognition technology, enhancing overall monitoring and security.
To bolster emergency response capabilities, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed. SDRF teams will conduct regular boat patrols, emphasizing safety measures during the celebrations, with an arrangement of four cruise boats by January 20 for enhanced water surveillance.
Heightened security measures are also in place at Ayodhya Railway Station, managed by the Railway Protection Force from January 27 to February 15. An Anti-Drone System, overseen by the Special Security Force (SSF), adds an extra layer of security against potential aerial threats.
The public is reminded that only those invited by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will be allowed entry from January 20 to 22. Primary healthcare facilities, cleanliness measures, and an Anti-Drone System aim to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors during the historic ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22.
