Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya decked up to welcome PM Modi today

PM Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham, redeveloped Ayodhya Dham Railway Station, and flag off new Amrit Bharat trains and Vande Bharat trains in Ayodhya.

The city, renowned as the birthplace of Lord Ram and the setting of the epic Ramayana, is witnessing a flurry of activity with cultural events planned and heavy security deployment in place.

The Prime Minister's visit is particularly significant as it comes just weeks before the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Ram.

The first phase of the temple has been completed, and the entire construction is expected to be finished by January 2024. 

The inauguration ceremony for the temple is scheduled for January 24, 2024, and will be conducted by PM Modi himself.

As part of his visit, PM Modi is set to inaugurate several developmental projects, including the newly built Maharishi Valmiki International Airport at Ayodhya Dham, which was developed with an investment of Rs 1,450 crore and designed to handle around 10 lakh passengers annually. The airport's design reflects the architecture of the upcoming Shri Ram Mandir, and its interiors showcase local art and murals depicting the life of Lord Ram.

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Meanwhile, UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak says, "It's a fortunate day for us. Under the guidance of PM Modi, the international airport will be inaugurated. The entire infrastructure is changing. I thank PM Modi for it, Ayodhya is changing...It's getting developed as a world-class city."

Airport Authority of India(AAI) chairman Sanjeev Kumar says, "The airport has been built in Ayodhya and AAI has completed it in a record time of 20 months. Air connectivity is important for Ayodhya. PM Modi will inaugurate it today. We are happy today and I hope people across the country will be happy...."

Additionally, PM Modi will inaugurate the Ayodhya Dham Junction railway station and flag off six new Vande Bharat Trains and two Amrit Bharat trains. He will also inaugurate four redeveloped roads—Rampath, Bhaktipath, Dharampath, and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Path—that have been widened and beautified to enhance the city's infrastructure.

Over 1,400 artists are expected to perform folk art and other cultural programs on 40 stages along the route from the airport to the railway station, celebrating the city's rich cultural heritage. The city's preparations include thematic ornamental columns and murals, with the local administration ensuring that all arrangements are in place despite recent dense fog conditions.

This visit by PM Modi not only marks the prelude to the consecration of the Ram Temple but also underscores the government's commitment to preserving and enhancing the cultural and spiritual legacy of Ayodhya.