Sanjeev Kumar, chairman of the Airport Authority of India (AAI), said that the building was finished in a record 20 months, just in time for the spectacular consecration ceremony of Ram Mandhir, as the temple town of Ayodhya is ready to extend air connectivity with its first airport.
As per the Memorandum of Understanding inked in April of last year with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the Airports Authority of India started developing Ayodhya Airport. According to a government statement, 821 acres of land were given by the Uttar Pradesh government for the construction of Ayodhya Airport.
According to AAI Chairman Sanjeev Kumar, Ayodhya needs an air connection, and the Airport Authority is pleased with the development. Speaking in Ayodhya, Sanjeev Kumar stated, “The airport has been built in Ayodhya, and AAI has completed it in a record time of 20 months.”
“Air connection is crucial to Ayodhya’s operations. Increased passenger movement will also enhance Ayodhya’s connection. The people of Ayodhya are, I think, as delighted about this expansion as we at the Airport Authority are. Today, PM Modi will officially open it,” he continued.
The construction of this airport would serve pilgrims traveling to Shri Ram Mandir as well as well-known neighboring pilgrimage sites like Hanuman Garhi, Ram ki Paidi, Nageshwar Nath Temple, Birla Temple, etc. The construction of Ayodhya Airport will boost the local economy overall by facilitating year-round commerce and pilgrimage visitors.
“Now that Ayodhya will be accessible by air as well,” stated the Chairman of the Airport Authority, gesturing to the possibility of enlarging the terminal at the recently built Airport at some point in the future. The current terminal is tiny, but it will grow in the future as needed.”
A government announcement states that the airport can accommodate the operation of A-321-type aircraft due to its 2200m runway. Additionally built are two link taxiways, an apron with space for eight A321-class aircraft to park, and a Ground Support Equipment (GSE) facility.
Phase 2 calls for the construction of a larger, 50,000-square-meter terminal building that can accommodate 60,000 passengers a year in addition to 4000 people during peak travel times.
Along with these features, the upgrade will also include a parallel taxi track, an apron for eighteen extra aircraft parking stands, and an extension of the runway from its current 2200 meters to 3750 meters, adequate for operating Code E (B-777) type aircraft.
One of the seven most significant pilgrimage places (Mokshdayini Sapt Puris) for Hindus is thought to be Ayodhya. Along with numerous other developments in the area, PM Modi will dedicate the recently constructed Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham today at approximately noon. The new airport will boost the region’s overall economy by acting as a gateway for travelers and pilgrims.
According to the statement, the airport has been created for 350 Crore, which comprises the Terminal Building, ATC Tower, Fire Station, Car Parking, and Associated city-side infrastructure.
The 6500 square meter terminal building can accommodate 600 people during peak travel times and 10 lakh passengers a year. There are several passenger amenities available, including three conveyor belts (one in the Arrival hall, two in the Departure), nine check-in desks, and five X-BIS machines.
The terminal building’s city side is designed with Divyangjan-friendly amenities for bus and automobile parking. The historical significance of Ayodhya has been taken into consideration in the design of the airport.
The architecture of the planned Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya served as inspiration for the terminal building’s design. The building’s inside is embellished with regional antiquities, murals, and paintings that illustrate Bhagwan Shri Ram’s life. Numerous Shikharas are also used to embellish the terminal building, giving it a grandiose appearance and a spiritual atmosphere.
Several sustainable features are present in the airport terminal building, including an insulated roofing system, energy-saving canopies, LED lighting, a low-gain double glazing unit, rainwater harvesting to replenish the groundwater table, fountains in the landscaping, HVAC, a water treatment plant, a sewage treatment plant and the use of recycled water for landscaping. To achieve GRIHA – 5-star ratings, a 250 KWP solar power plant has been supplied.
