Murals, artworks & engraved scriptures: Upcoming Ayodhya airport awash with Ramayana theme

Experts involved in the project’s architectural design said the airport has been developed on the lines of Nagara architecture adopted in building ancient Hindu temples of North India — a style also used in the under-construction Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Built with red stone, the carved pillars from the entrance to the inside of the terminal would blend the old temple architecture with modern infrastructure, it is learnt. The installation of murals and artworks themed after Ramayana is going on at a fast pace, the experts said.

The “bow and arrow” mural with portraits of Lord Ram planned near the terminal entrance along with other artworks will be one of the prominent themes.

The roof of the terminal measuring 65,000 square feet will be supported by seven mega columns, symbolising seven “Kandas” (books) of Ramayana. Like ancient temples, the airport terminal will have a rectangular base with carved pillars and a ‘shikhara’ (superstructure, tower or spire).

Harsh Varshneya, a key architect involved in the airport design, said, “The airport will welcome passengers from across the globe in a majestic manner. The intricate carvings and artworks will tell the story of Ayodhya’s glory and rich heritage.”

In the first phase, the terminal with eight aprons will have the capacity to handle more than 350 passengers and facilitate 2-3 flights per hour. The 2,200-meter runway will allow the landing of large aircraft like Boeing 737, Airbus 319, and Airbus 320 besides the smaller aircraft, officials said.

There are plans to further expand the runway to 3,700 meters with a capacity to allow the landing of even bigger aircraft like Boeing 787 or Boeing 777, the officials added.

Recently, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiradiya Scindia inspected the ongoing work at the airport. The CM had fixed December 15 as the deadline for work completion but the officials involved in the project said the work will be completed by December-end only.