Prime Minister Narendra Modi is gearing up for a visit to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, December 30, where he will unveil pivotal infrastructure projects. Notable highlights of this visit encompass the inauguration of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, the Ayodhya Dham Railway Station, and various development initiatives amounting to ₹15,000 crore. This visit precedes the eagerly anticipated consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla at the Ram Temple on January 22.
Demonstrating the government\’s dedication to advancing infrastructure, connectivity, and safeguarding Ayodhya\’s cultural heritage, PM Modi conveyed on social media, \”Our focus is on establishing world-class facilities and enhancing connectivity in Ayodhya, the revered city of Lord Shri Ram. Tomorrow, I will inaugurate the newly constructed airport and the revamped railway station. Additionally, I will have the honor of inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for several development projects, with the aim of improving the lives of citizens nationwide, including Ayodhya and Uttar Pradesh.\”
The itinerary for PM Modi\’s visit is outlined as follows:
- 10:30 am: Arrival at Ayodhya airport, followed by a 16-km roadshow.
- 11:15 am: Inauguration of the redeveloped Ayodhya railway station (Ayodhya Dham) and the commencement of new Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains.
- 12:15 pm: Inauguration of the newly constructed Ayodhya airport (Maharishi Valmiki International Airport).
- 1:00 pm: Participation in a public program to inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over ₹15,700 crore in the state.
Key development projects include:
- Enhancement and embellishment of tourist facilities from Naya Ghat to Laxman Ghat.
- Establishment of a visitor gallery for events like Deepotsav.
- Strengthening and renovation of the pilgrim path from Ram Ki Paidi to Raj Ghat and Raj Ghat to Ram Temple.
- Launch of an ambitious greenfield township and the Vashishtha Kunj Residential Scheme.
- Foundation stone laying for infrastructure projects, including the Lucknow-Ayodhya section of NH-28, Ayodhya bypass modification, CIPET center establishment, and construction of offices for the Municipal Corporation Ayodhya and Ayodhya Development Authority.
Furthermore, PM Modi will extend the development momentum beyond Ayodhya by inaugurating and dedicating key projects across Uttar Pradesh.
The newly developed Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, with a cost exceeding ₹1,450 crore, features a terminal building designed with temple architecture, expected to improve regional connectivity, tourism, business activities, and employment opportunities.
The redeveloped Ayodhya Dham Railway Station, developed at a cost surpassing ₹240 crore, boasts a modern three-story building equipped with facilities such as lifts, escalators, food plazas, shops, cloakrooms, child care rooms, and waiting halls.
The visit will also witness the introduction of new Amrit Bharat trains and Vande Bharat Express trains, along with the dedication of railway projects aimed at fortifying rail infrastructure in the region.
PM Modi will receive a grand welcome in Ayodhya, featuring performances by over 1,400 artists presenting folk art and cultural programs along the route from the airport to the railway station, known as Ram Path. The welcome will incorporate traditional elements like conch blowing and Damru beating, as well as various regional dance forms.