Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that the first phase of international airport being built in Ayodhya will be completed by December 15 this month.
The chief minister inspected the construction work at Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport along with Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and MoS Civil Aviation General (retired) VK Singh.
Making a statement after inspecting the under-construction airport, CM Yogi Adityanath said the first phase of the airport will be completed a month before the inauguration of the Ram Temple on January 22, 2024. Construction work of the new airport is going on a war footing by the Airports Authority of India.
People will get the infrastructure necessary for the development of Ayodhya, said Adityanath adding the government is making serious efforts to restore the city's glory.
Union minister Scindia said an attempt has been made to reflect the cultural potential of the airport in Ayodhya.
"In the first phase, the airport will be spread across 65,000 square feet. Its capacity will be to handle two to three flights every hour. Work is on to build a 2,200- metre-long runway. It means that Boeing 737 and Airbus 319 and 320 will be able to land at this airport. Initially, there is an airport apron for eight aircraft," Scindia told reporters.
He also said that soon approval from the Cabinet will be taken for the second phase.
"In the second phase, as already said by the chief minister Yogi Adityanath, the length of the runway will be increased from 2,200 metres to 3,700 metres. In other words, the length of the runway will be around four kilometres, so that international aircraft like Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 can land in Ayodhya," Scindia said.
He added that the second phase of the airport will be of 50,000 square metres.
"Ayodhya city is a shining star on the national map, and it should be a shining star on the international map as well," the Union minister said, adding that all of us are committed to fulfil this promise.
Scindia also remembered his grandmother Vijaya Raje Scindia who was a BJP leader during the Ram Temple movement in Ayodhya.
"I consider it my good fortune that today I got the privilege of applying Ayodhya's soil on my forehead in the holy city, the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram. Today is also an emotional moment for me because my 'Aaji Amma' (referring to his grandmother) had a very emotional attachment with the soil of Ayodhya throughout her life."
Earlier, Chief Minister Adityanath also performed 'aarti' and 'darshan puja' at the Hanumangarhi temple. After this, he offered prayers at the Ram Temple.
With inputs from PTI
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