India's Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia recently flagged off eight new direct flight routes for the holy city of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
The measure will "boost air connectivity and facilitate the arrival of pilgrims,” according to a statement by the Civil Aviation Ministry. It noted that the tourism potential of Ayodhya has increased after the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Temple last month, laying down a new path for economic and social development.
Hon'ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, @JM_Scindia, & Hon'ble MoS, Civil Aviation, @Gen_VKSingh (Retd.) inaugurated SpiceJet flights from Ayodhya today, in the esteemed presence of Hon'ble CM of Uttar Pradesh @myogiadityanath & Secretary MoCA, Vumlunmang Vualnam. pic.twitter.com/NdrWHDzVYP
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) February 1, 2024
The new routes operated by SpiceJet will connect cities including Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Patna, Darbhanga, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to Ayodhya.
They will operate to and from the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport at Ayodhya Dham, built at a cost of over US$ 42 million (₹350 crore). The airport was inaugurated by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2023.
Speaking on the occasion, in the presence of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Scindia said, “Ayodhya is not an ordinary destination. The faith and the reverence of the devotees of Bhagwan Ram from every corner of the world are connected with it. The airport is the first introduction of the city to the visitor. This is why the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham has been developed to reflect its culture with artwork depicting stories from the Ramayana.”
Scindia further pointed out that the number of operational airports in Uttar Pradesh has doubled from five to ten, and five more will be operational by the end of the year. The total number of airports in the state will go up to 16, including Jewar Greenfield Airport. He also assured that there will be no airlines left that will not be operating from Ayodhya.
Ayodhya airport would operate international flights in the second phase, following the development of a new terminal planned to serve 60 lakh commuters annually, according to a Hindustan Times report.
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