Ayodhya Airport: A Gateway to Spiritual and Economic Growth

Ayodhya Airport, with its IATA code AYJ and ICAO code VEAY,

stands as a testament to Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to progress. Officially named Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya Dham, this international airport serves the twin cities of Ayodhya and Faizabad. Conveniently located adjacent to NH-27 and NH-330 at Naaka in Faizabad, the airport aims to boost connectivity, foster economic development, and promote tourism in the region.

Development Milestones: Land acquisition initiated in November 2021, paving the way for Ayodhya Airport’s construction, which commenced in February 2022. With ambitious plans, the government aimed for its operation before the completion of the Ram Mandir in 2024.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the airport on December 30, 2023, and IndiGo marked the milestone by initiating flight operations on January 10, 2024, connecting Delhi and Ahmedabad. The airport, seamlessly blending modernity and tradition, signifies a significant leap forward in Uttar Pradesh’s air connectivity and infrastructural development.

In February 2014, the Uttar Pradesh government inked a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), laying the foundation for the airport’s development. Construction commenced in February 2022

Nomenclature: Originally proposed to be named after the revered Hindu god Rama, the airport underwent a name change in December 2023. Maharishi Valmiki, the attributed author of Ramayana, became the chosen namesake, aligning the airport more closely with the Ramayana-based theme.

Government Initiatives and Development: In 2012, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, under the leadership of former Minister Ajit Singh, envisioned the development of existing airstrips at Faizabad, Moradabad, and Meerut to enhance regional connectivity. The idea was to stimulate economic growth, generate employment, and promote tourism in Uttar Pradesh. This initiative gained momentum under the UDAN Scheme, focusing on the establishment of low-cost airports to improve air connectivity across the country.

The existing airstrip’s dimensions limited it to accommodating only nine-seater aircraft like the Dornier 228, with a runway of 1,500 meters (4,900 ft) in length and 30 meters (98 ft) in width.

Recognizing the potential for expanded capacity, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) suggested acquiring an additional 284 acres (115 ha) of land in 2018. In response, the Government of Uttar Pradesh initiated the acquisition, planning to extend the runway to 2,500 meters (8,200 ft) in length and 45 meters (148 ft) in width.

The phased construction involves reaching 2,250 meters in the first phase, progressing to 3,125 meters in the second, and aiming for a final extension to 3,750 meters in the third phase. This expansion equips the airport to handle larger aircraft, including the Airbus A380. The runway incorporates night landing facilities, featuring the Instrument Landing System (ILS), Doppler Very-high frequency Omnidirectional Range (DVOR), and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) from the initial phase of development.

Terminal 1: The inaugural phase of the airport’s development, spans 6,500 sq.m. and serves as the primary terminal. With the capacity to accommodate 300 passengers during peak hours and process approximately 1 million passengers annually, it plays a crucial role in the airport’s operational framework.

The apron is designed to park four Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft. The terminal encompasses essential amenities such as vehicle parking spaces, an access road from the nearby highway, a fuel farm, a fuel station, a fire station, and an Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower. Operational since 10 January 2024, Terminal 1 marks a significant milestone in the airport’s journey.

Terminal 2: The second phase of the airport’s expansion is unfolding as Terminal 2, poised to become the airport’s second terminal. Initially spanning 30,000 sq.m., the terminal is planned to expand further to an impressive 50,000 sq.m., catering to a peak-hour capacity of 3,200 passengers and an annual influx exceeding 5-7 million travelers.

Terminal 2 distinguishes itself with eight aerobridges and an apron tailored for eight Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft, with a future vision to double this capacity to 16 in the forthcoming third phase of development. This ambitious project embodies a passenger-centric ethos, featuring a recreational garden, spacious entrance, and superior parking facilities compared to its predecessor, Terminal 1.

As of January 2024, Terminal 2 and the second phase of airport development have achieved a pivotal milestone by successfully concluding the competitive bidding process initiated in November 2023. The selection of contractors and firms signals the green light for the commencement of construction and implementation activities.

The terminal is progressing according to proposed plans, with its present footprint set to expand. Anticipated features include enhanced passenger accommodations, increased annual capacities, and improved infrastructure. Terminal 2’s journey toward completion is marked by significant strides, symbolizing the realization of the airport’s ambitious development project.

Construction efforts are now actively underway, laying the foundation for an advanced and passenger-focused terminal experience.

Terminal 3: Constituting the final phase of the airport’s development, is poised to become the third terminal. Encompassing a sprawling area exceeding 50,000 sq.m., it surpasses Terminals 1 and 2 in passenger capacity.

Designed for international operations, it features an apron capable of accommodating eight widebody aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Boeing 787. Similar to Terminal 2, Terminal 3 will host a garden and parking spaces, but on a larger scale. The expansive area will also house a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, surpassing the stature of its predecessor from the initial development phase, alongside an enlarged fire station and utility facilities.

Terminal 3 represents a significant leap in the airport’s evolution, promising enhanced international capabilities and improved infrastructure to meet the demands of future air travel.

Ayodhya Airport: Architecture and design

Ayodhya Airport’s architecture draws inspiration from the Ramayana era, mirroring the elevation of the Ram Temple. The design, rooted in the Nagar architectural style, features columns symbolizing the 7 Kandas of the Ramayana. The glass façade aims to evoke the ambiance of Ayodhya’s palace, creating a spiritual atmosphere for passengers. According to Harsh Varshney, one of the architects, the goal is to encapsulate the essence of Ramayana and Ayodhya, revitalizing the city’s charm. The airport’s design seeks to recapture the magic and revive Ayodhya’s timeless allure, making it an eternal city once again.

Facilities & Amenities within the Airport: In the initial phase of airport development, the terminal offers passenger amenities, including nine check-in counters, three conveyor belts, two lounges, and tactile paths to the apron. External features comprise four vehicle parking spaces, a service and utility area, a four-lane road connecting to NH-27 leading to Faizabad and Ayodhya, a fire station, an Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, a technical block, and a fuel farm. Additionally, the vicinity will host three medium-scale hotels, four upper-scale hotels, and various ancillary and technical facilities.

The subsequent phases will introduce further enhancements, aligning the airport with international standards. As part of the Airports Authority of India’s master plan, a medical college is slated for establishment between Terminals 2 and 3, contributing to the comprehensive development of the airport.

The following facilities will be available in the airport premises:

• Baggage handling system
• Passenger boarding bridges
• Flight information and displays
• Sewage treatment facility
• Fire-fighting system
• Security equipment
• Restaurant
• Educational Facilities
• Post and Telegraph
• Power supply
• Medical Facilities
• Drinking Water Facility

Special Features of the Airport: The airport has been meticulously designed to showcase the rich cultural and historical tapestry of both the local and state heritage, with a focus on illuminating visitors about Ayodhya’s profound spiritual, religious, and historical significance in Indian society.

Murals, artworks, and engraved scriptures in the Nagara style of temple architecture adorn the terminal, depicting the symbolism found in the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. This architectural style also serves to represent the iconic Ram Mandir. Noteworthy exterior themes include a striking “bow and arrow” mural featuring portraits of Rama near the terminal’s entrance.

Constructed with red stone, the intricately carved pillars seamlessly blend traditional temple architecture with modern infrastructure from the entrance to the terminal’s interior.

The terminal’s roof, spanning 65,000 sq.ft., is upheld by seven substantial columns, symbolizing the seven kandas (books) of Ramayana.

Emulating ancient temples, the terminal exhibits a rectangular base with ornate pillars and a shikhara atop, encapsulating the essence of a temple structure. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, the terminal harnesses clean energy for electricity generation and employs eco-friendly practices for waste disposal and water conservation. This amalgamation of cultural representation and eco-conscious design underscores the airport’s dedication to embodying tradition and modernity harmoniously.

Ayodhya airport: Impact on real estate

Ayodhya’s upcoming international airport and the imminent opening of the Ram Temple have sparked a real estate boom, particularly in agricultural and non-agricultural lands surrounding the city. Anticipating a surge in global visitors, property rates in Ayodhya have soared 5 to 10 times in the past decade, with a substantial increase over the last two years. From 2018 to 2023, the per square foot property rate has skyrocketed from Rs 500 to nearly Rs 1,500.

Dates & Timelines of Various Milestones:

Date	Details
12 August 2020	Nand Gopal Gupta, Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of Uttar Pradesh, said Rs 525 crore has been approved and of this Rs 300 crore have been spent so far.
16 September 2020	Airports Authority of India projected land requirement of 478.1 acres to Governement of Uttar Pradesh for development of the airport in Phase – I.
10 March 2021	Airports Authority of India sanctions Rs 242 crore to develop airport and an area of around 270 acres has been made available by Government of Uttar Pradesh.
8 April 2022	Government of Uttar Pradesh’s civil aviation department signed a lease agreement with Airports Authority of India for transfer of 317.855 acres of land. CM of Uttarpradesh Yogi Adityanath said the remaining 86 acres land required for the airport will also be handed over soon.
6 December 2022	The airport’s terminal is 45% and the runway is 45% completed, and is on track for completion in December 2023.
2 December 2023	It was announced that the airport’s first phase of work will be completed by 15 December 2023.
12 December 2023	It was announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the airport on 30 December 2023, and commercial flights will be started by Indigo to Delhi and Ahmedabad from 10 January 2024.
23 December 2023	The initial schedule for this flight was to depart from Delhi at 10:00 AM and land in Ayodhya at 11:20 AM, but according to the new schedule for the inauguration day on 30 December, the flight for Ayodhya from Delhi will now take off at 9:50 AM, with the first flight landing in Ayodhya at 11:00 AM. According to the information, after the first flight on 30 December, this flight will be operational from 10 January onwards. Subsequently, there will be daily flights from Ayodhya to Delhi at the same time, and more destinations in India starting from the same month, to be operated by Air India Express and Indigo
30 December 2023	The first phase of the airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Details Credits: Wikipedia.

Present Flight Operations:

Airlines	Destinations
Air India	Bengaluru, Delhi, Gwalior, Kolkatta
Akasa Air	Delhi, Pune (Both begins on 15th February, 2024)
Indigo	Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai
Spicejet	Ahmedabad , Bengaluru, Chennai, Darbhanga, Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Patna (All begins in February, 2024)

Details Credits: Wikipedia.

 

Ayodhya Airport: Impact on employment, industry

The comprehensive project report for the Ayodhya Airport outlines its profound impact on the job market and economic landscape. The anticipated air connectivity promises enhanced infrastructure for passengers, fostering economic growth through tourism, trade, and commerce. The project is poised to generate both direct and indirect economic value, contributing significantly to community development and broader business interests.

The airport’s construction and operation will not only create direct employment opportunities but also stimulate job growth through the supply chain and induce further impact via tourism. The benefits extend beyond immediate community development to encompass the wider advantages that air service accessibility brings to businesses and consumers.

As per the detailed project report, the southern region of the state is expected to witness a surge in industries and infrastructure development utilizing Ayodhya Airport facilities. The robust passenger traffic growth, coupled with a diverse mix of industries, hints at substantial potential for increased cargo activities. The region, therefore, presents an expansive canvas for the flourishing of tourism, trade, and commercial endeavours, marking the Ayodhya Airport project as a catalyst for multifaceted economic and developmental progress.

The Ayodhya Airport emerges as a symbol of harmonious integration between modernity and tradition, poised to play a pivotal role in the spiritual and economic transformation of Ayodhya and Faizabad. With the imminent establishment of the Ram Mandir, the airport gains heightened significance as a conduit for spiritual growth, offering seamless connectivity to devotees and tourists alike.

This strategic hub not only facilitates convenient access to the sacred sites embedded in Ayodhya’s cultural and historical tapestry but also holds the promise of fostering economic development in the region.

The intersection of spiritual tourism and enhanced connectivity positions Ayodhya Airport as a catalyst for both cultural exploration and economic prosperity, embodying a holistic vision that extends beyond transportation infrastructure to encompass the spiritual aspirations and economic vitality of the community it serves.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayodhya_Airport

Also Read about other Projects at: https://bbbinsider.com/revolutionizing-urban-mobility-the-new-delhi-railway-stations-rs-5000-crore-redevelopment-project/

https://bbbinsider.com/mumbai-trans-harbour-link/

https://bbbinsider.com/ram-mandir-important-facts-5-constructional-aspects-and-other-features/