Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated the first tri-weekly flights between Ahmedabad and Ayodhya through a virtual launch on Thursday, accompanied by Union Minister VK Singh and other senior officials.
During the event, Scindia announced that five new airports in Uttar Pradesh – Azamgarh, Aligarh, Moradabad, Shravasti, and Chitrakoot – are set to be inaugurated within the next month. Additionally, an international airport in Jewar is expected to be operational by the end of the year.
Scindia disclosed plans to expand the Ayodhya airport, extending the runway to accommodate larger aircraft and facilitate international flights. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that 100 chartered planes would land in Ayodhya on January 22 for 'Pran Partishtha Day.'
The airport would play a crucial role in shaping the region's youth and boosting the local economy, he added.
On the inaugural flight from Ahmedabad to Ayodhya, passengers dressed as Lord Ram, Lakshman, Sita, and Hanuman added a festive touch to the event.
Ayodhya gears up for the ‘big day’
With preparations in full swing for the grand Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lala on January 22, Ayodhya is witnessing increased connectivity and tourist facilities. Direct flights from the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport to Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata are set to commence this week, in addition to the Ayodhya-Delhi route operationalised on December 30. Culture and Tourism Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Jaiveer Singh, highlighted the rising demand for land for hotels, bhavans, and ashrams, with plans for 1,000 rooms and homestays in collaboration with Oyo, including 51 Oyo homestays run by women.
To ensure a successful event, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented an extensive plan encompassing advanced security and traffic management measures. The Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) has been integrated with 1500 public CCTV cameras across the city for vigilant surveillance. Emergency response capabilities have been enhanced with the deployment of teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). SDRF teams will conduct regular boat patrols, emphasizing safety measures and strict prohibition of intoxication.
