As the much-anticipated Pran Pratishtha programme for the Ayodhya Ram Temple approaches on January 22, meticulous preparations are in full swing.
Among the noteworthy arrangements is the commencement of helicopter services between Lucknow and Ayodhya from January 19, providing devotees with a convenient and swift mode of transportation for the auspicious occasion.
Helicopter services in Ayodhya
The Ayodhya Information Department has confirmed the deployment of six helicopters for the route, with three flying from Lucknow and three from Ayodhya. Commencing on January 19 from Ramabai Maidan in Lucknow, these helicopters will accommodate between eight to 18 passengers.
“The service will start from January 19 from Ramabai Maidan in Lucknow. These helicopters will have the capacity to carry eight to 18 passengers and the devotees will have to pre-book the helicopter ride,” a statement issued by the Department said.
“The booking schedule and fare rates will be finalised on the evening of January 16 and the distance from Lucknow to Ayodhya can be covered in just 30-40 minutes,” it added.
Ayodhya Airport finalises landing schedule
Vinod Kumar, Director of Ayodhya Airport, held a meeting with Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Secretary Champat Rai to discuss the logistics of the event. Kumar informed the media that they have finalised the landing schedule for approximately 100 aircraft on January 22.
Given the limited parking capacity at Ayodhya Airport, they are coordinating with nearby airports to manage the overflow. The airport is expected to host important visitors, while regular flights will continue as planned.
“We are in constant touch with nearby airports. Today’s meeting was just a formal meeting. Landing details of almost 100 aircraft have reached us. Those aircrafts will disembark passengers here (in Ayodhya) and go to nearby airports like Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj because we have only eight bays which will remain occupied,” he said.
“The day PM’s aircraft arrives, one to four bays will be occupied and only four bays will be left. Only important visitors can he be accommodated here. Regular flights will continue on January 22 as well. Everything will be finalised in one or two days,” he said.
Additionally, Alok Kumar, the International Working President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), shared details of a grand initiative spanning 56 countries in anticipation of the ‘Pran Pratistha’ of the Ram Temple. The VHP is extending invitations to 10 crore households worldwide, urging them to gather at local temples to witness the historic event.
“We will go to 10 crore households across 56 countries of the world and invite them…that they will have to gather together at temples near them to watch this event,” he had said.