Lucknow: Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Jyotiraditya M Scindia inaugurated a new direct flight route connecting Ayodhya to Ahmedabad from New Delhi today. Operated by Indigo, the flight will operate thrice a week, enhancing air connectivity between the two cities.
The event witnessed the presence of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, Jayveer Singh, Member of Parliament from Ayodhya, Lallu Singh, and Member of Parliament from Ahmedabad, Dr Kirit Premjibhai Solanki.
Expansion Plans for Maharshi Valmiki International Airport
Minister Scindia announced ambitious plans for the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport. In the second phase of development, the airport will witness an expansion to 5 lakh square feet, accommodating 3000 passengers, and the runway will be extended to 3700 meters. This development aims to facilitate increased air traffic and promote economic growth in the region.
जहाँ है राम का नाम, वहां पुरे होते है सारे काम!
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) January 11, 2024
प्रभु श्रीराम की अनंत कृपा एवं माननीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी के दृढ संकल्प के कारण आज अयोध्या को महर्षि वाल्मीकि अंतर्राष्ट्रीय हवाईअड्डा के साथ ही नई विमान सेवाएं भी प्रारम्भ हो चुकी हैं।
इसी क्रम में आज, उत्तर… pic.twitter.com/H4TDrlPM8g
Symbolism in Airport Design
Highlighting the symbolic significance of the airport’s design, Minister Scindia emphasized that the outer structure draws inspiration from the Ram Temple, and the terminal building showcases the life journey of Lord Ram through captivating paintings and artefacts.
Minister Scindia expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the swift allocation of land for the Ayodhya airport, completing the project in a record time of 20 months.
Vision for Airports as Gateways to Culture and History
Reiterating the Prime Minister’s vision, Minister Scindia emphasized that airports are not just transportation hubs but gateways to a region’s ethos, culture, and history.
Expanding Air Connectivity in Uttar Pradesh
Discussing the growth of civil aviation in Uttar Pradesh, Minister Scindia shared that the state had only six airports in 2014, and now it boasts ten, with five more airports scheduled to open soon. An international airport in Jewar is also expected to be operational by the end of 2024, bringing the total number of airports in UP to 19.
Minister Scindia commended the Uttar Pradesh Government’s efforts in civil aviation, citing a substantial increase in air connectivity over the past nine years. The state, which was initially connected to 18 cities in 2014, now enjoys connections to 41 cities, with a significant rise in weekly flight movements.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed gratitude to Minister Scindia for overseeing the timely completion of the Maharshi Valmiki Ayodhya International Airport. He anticipates that the new air connectivity will open up opportunities for increased tourism, trade, and investment.
The event was attended by Secretary Civil Aviation, Vumlunmang Vualnam, Joint Secretary Asungba Chuba Aao, and Special Director of IndiGo, RK Singh.