Ayodhya District Magistrate Nitish Kumar marked a historic moment by presenting the first boarding pass to a passenger at Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya. SpiceJet has officially launched flights from Ayodhya to various destinations, including Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Patna, Darbhanga, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with operations commencing today.
The surge in visitors to Ayodhya after the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple is cited as a contributing factor for launching these additional flights.
The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya Dham, inaugurated earlier this month, is expected to facilitate the increased air traffic to the sacred city.
Yogi Adityanath, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and V K Singh inaugurate SpiceJet's direct flight service
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, alongside Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Minister of State V K Singh, jointly inaugurated SpiceJet's direct flight service, linking Ayodhya with eight major cities. The strategic move aims to facilitate access for devotees and tourists seeking 'darshan' of Lord Shri Ram Lalla in the newly consecrated Ayodhya temple.
In a press statement from the state government, Chief Minister Adityanath expressed, "The initiation of non-stop flights by SpiceJet to Ayodhya from Darbhanga, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Jaipur, Patna, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru not only enhances connectivity but also has the potential to boost tourism."
Previous successful air services had commenced from Ayodhya to Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, according to the chief minister. Adityanath highlighted the significance of Prime Minister Modi inaugurating Ayodhya Dham's new international airport on December 30, 2023, indicating a promising future for the city.
Encouraging collaboration for Ayodhya's growth, Adityanath called on citizens to responsibly utilize the new air services, sharing the city's beauty and traditions with the world. Reflecting on Ayodhya's symbolic importance, he stated, "Ayodhya is a symbol of the nation's faith, and public sentiments are intricately linked with Lord Shri Ram Lalla. Every Ayodhya resident aspired for the city's development, and today, that dream is becoming a reality."
Addressing Ayodhya's transformation, Adityanath acknowledged past neglect, saying, "A decade ago, the idea of an international airport in Ayodhya seemed unimaginable. Improved connectivity was beyond contemplation. However, overcoming the stigma imposed on Ayodhya centuries ago, Ram Lalla now resides majestically in his grand temple. Today, the entire world rejoices in witnessing this dream materialise."
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