- By Vivek Raj
- Sat, 30 Dec 2023 09:43 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ayodhya today to inaugurate various projects, including the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport and the Ayodhya Dham railway station. The visit precedes the eagerly awaited Pran Pratishtha (consecration ceremony) of Ram Lalla at the Ram temple scheduled for January 22.
Prime Minister Modi, in a social media post, expressed the government's commitment to developing world-class infrastructure and preserving Ayodhya's rich heritage. The projects to be inaugurated are valued at Rs 15,000 crore and aim to enhance connectivity and facilitate the region's comprehensive development.
The day's schedule includes the inauguration of the redeveloped Ayodhya railway station or Ayodhya Dham railway station at 11:15 am. New Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains will be flagged off during this ceremony. Following this, at 12:15 pm, the prime minister will inaugurate the newly constructed Ayodhya Airport, also known as the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport.
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Around 1 pm, a public programme is planned, where Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate, and lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects exceeding R 15,700 crore in Uttar Pradesh. Among these, approximately Rs 11,100 crore is allocated for the development of Ayodhya and its surrounding areas, while about Rs 4,600 crore is for other projects across the state.
Several initiatives are on the agenda, including the development and beautification of tourist facilities such as Naya Ghat to Laxman Ghat, the construction of a visitor gallery for events like Deepotsav, and the strengthening and renovation of the pilgrim path from Ram Ki Paidi to Raj Ghat and Raj Ghat to Ram Temple.
He will also launch a greenfield township valued at Rs 2,183 crore, and the Vashishtha Kunj Residential Scheme costing around Rs 300 crore. The foundation stone will be laid for infrastructure projects, including the Lucknow-Ayodhya section of NH-28, the modification of the existing Ayodhya bypass, and the establishment of the CIPET centre.
The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, developed in Phase 1 at a cost of over ₹1,450 crore, boasts state-of-the-art facilities. With a terminal building covering an area of 6500 sqm, the airport is equipped to serve approximately 10 lakh passengers annually. The terminal's facade reflects the architecture of the upcoming Ram Temple, while its interiors showcase local art, paintings, and murals depicting the life of Lord Ram.
Prime Minister Modi is expected to receive a grand welcome in Ayodhya, with more than 1,400 performers presenting folk art and cultural programs along the route from the airport to the railway station.