The inaugural phase of the Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport in Ayodhya is set to conclude by the end of December, as confirmed by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia. Emphasising the government’s focus on airport development, Scindia assured that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the airport upon completion. Scindia along with Union minister VK Singh and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath inspected the construction of the airport.
Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport – Features/Design
The chief architect of the Ayodhya airport, Harsh Varshney, Principal Architect and Director of Sthapati Associates said “the uniqueness of the airport is to portray the city of Ayodhya through the airport. People can relate the city through the airport once they land. And, also they can relate to the history of Ramayana.” The Rs 242 crore project encompasses the construction of a terminal building and the enhancement of airside facilities. “The new 6,500 square meter terminal building, designed to accommodate 300 passengers during peak hours and handle 6 lakh passengers annually, features passenger amenities such as 9 check-in counters, 3 conveyor belts, and tactile paths”, Harsh added.
There are seven stepped shikharas at the entrance, which are inspired by the Nagar style of architecture. He also said that “the architectural design reflects the style of the Ram Temple, with interior decor showcasing local art depicting the life of Shri Ram.”
In the proposed Phase-2, a terminal building with a floor area of 50,000 square meters will be added, and the runway length will be extended from 2200 meters to 3700 meters. The airport is intended to not only serve its functional purpose but also serve as a cultural reflection of Ayodhya, with Scindia expressing the importance of incorporating the city’s historic significance and culture into the airport’s design.
A crucial aspect highlighted in Phase-1 is the enhancement of airside facilities, particularly the widening and expansion of the runway. Upon completion of this phase, the airport will boast the capability to accommodate four aircraft of the Airbus A320 type.
Airlines to connect from all the major cities
The initial phase aims to connect Ayodhya with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, with additional routes to be introduced based on passenger demand.
