In response to the unprecedented surge in passenger traffic following the pranpratishtha of the Ram Mandir, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced a massive Rs 1,625 crore expansion plan for the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport. The project aims to significantly boost capacity and improve infrastructure, catering to the rising influx of devotees and tourists visiting the holy city.
The ambitious expansion, set to be completed within 28 months, will transform Ayodhya’s airport into a major aviation hub. Currently, the airport handles 0.16 million passengers per annum (MPPA), but post-expansion, this capacity will soar to 6 MPPA, addressing the growing demand for seamless air travel to the temple town.
This development follows the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024, an event that has led to an unprecedented rise in pilgrims and tourists.
To accommodate the rising air traffic, the number of aircraft bays at the airport will be more than doubled from 8 to 18, ensuring smoother operations and increased airline participation. With a sharp rise in daily flights, the expansion will enhance Ayodhya’s connectivity, making it easier for devotees to visit the sacred city.
The total airport area will also increase from 141 hectares to 331 hectares, allowing for better passenger amenities, baggage handling, and overall operational efficiency. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has already granted environmental clearance, clearing the path for swift execution of the project.
Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport on December 30, 2023, Ayodhya has rapidly emerged as a key spiritual destination. The city is now directly connected by air to six major Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
Currently, 10 to 11 flights operate daily to and from Ayodhya, serviced by leading airlines IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India Express. With the expansion, authorities expect a further increase in the frequency of flights and the addition of new routes, strengthening Ayodhya’s position as a major religious and cultural center.
The Rs 1,625 crore expansion project is expected to transform Ayodhya’s aviation infrastructure, ensuring that the growing number of devotees can travel conveniently to the city, reinforcing its status as a global pilgrimage hub.
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