Ayodhya airport phase 1 to be ready by Dec 15: UP CM

During their visit, they also convened a review meeting with the senior officials concerned, who made presentations regarding the airport’s construction work.

Adityanath later told mediapersons, “Ayodhya is emerging as an epitome of New India, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the sacred city of Lord Shri Ram”.

“Initially, Ayodhya had a modest airstrip spanning 178 acres but now, it is being built as a major international airport,” he said.

The CM said that “the state government has provided 821 acres and work was progressing on war-footing to build the airport under the supervision of the Airports Authority of India”. Emphasizing commitment to Ayodhya’s development, the Chief Minister assured the provision of essential infrastructure for the residents.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that “efforts have been made to reflect the cultural ethos of Ayodhya through the airport”. “In the first phase, a 65,000-square-ft terminal is under construction, with a capacity to handle two-three flights per hour. A 2,200-metre runway is also in progress, facilitating the landing of large aircraft such as Boeing 737, Airbus 319, and Airbus 320, in addition to smaller aircraft,” he said. The initial development includes the establishment of eight aprons at the site.

He said preparations are underway to seek approval from the Cabinet for the second phase soon. “In the second phase, the length of the runway will be increased to 3,700 metres, allowing all international aircraft such as Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 to land directly in Ayodhya. The second phase will also prepare the aircraft apron for the near future, which will be five lakh square ft,” said the Union Minister.

The Maryada Purshottam Shri Ram International Airport, located 8 kilometres from the Ram temple site, is coming up on one side of the Gorakhpur-Lucknow national highway. In April last year, the state civil aviation department had signed a lease agreement with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for transfer of 318 acres for the airport.

With both the Central and UP governments hoping to make Ayodhya an international tourism hub, the state is working on a detailed development plan for the town with an international airport at the top of its agenda.

Meanwhile, Adityanath unveiled a poster for the first day’s programmes of the 42nd  Ramayana Mela to be held in Ayodhya. The launch of the first poster took place at the Saryu Guest House on Saturday. A second poster was released by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Union Minister General VK Singh.