Ayodhya: Just a month ahead of the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Saturday that the first phase of the international airport in the city would be operational by December 15.

The airport is named the Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport and is designed to accommodate Boeing 737, Airbus 319, and Airbus 320 aircraft.

During a visit to the airport site with Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Minister of State for Civil Aviation VK Singh, the chief minister remarked that Ayodhya is evolving into "a symbol of New India," aligning with Prime Minister Modi's vision, a statement from the Uttar Pradesh government.

Following discussions with key officials, Yogi Adityanath stated, "Initially, Ayodhya had a modest airstrip covering 178

श्री राम जन्मभूमि पर भव्य मंदिर के लोकार्पण के पूर्व श्री अयोध्या जी को वायु सेवा से जोड़ने के जिस लक्ष्य को लेकर हम चले हैं, वह तिथि अब नजदीक आ चुकी है... pic.twitter.com/AhQ7WRTYhC

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) December 2, 2023

acres, but now it is being developed into a significant international airport."

He mentioned that the state government has allocated 821 acres of land for the project, and efforts are being carried out urgently under the supervision of the Airport Authority of India.

He stressed that this project is in line with his government's dedication to promoting the development of Ayodhya and furnishing crucial infrastructure for the city's residents.

Jyotiraditya Scindia said that the Ayodhya airport project incorporates the cultural essence of the city.

The first phase includes the construction of a 65,000 sq ft terminal with a capacity to handle 2-3 flights per hour.

Further, a 2,200-metre runway is being developed to accommodate aircraft such as the Boeing 737, Airbus 319, and Airbus 320.

In the second phase, the runway's length will be extended to 3,700 metres, allowing for the landing of wide-bodied aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 777.

The terminal's area is set to be 5 lakh square feet.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to attend the inauguration of the Ram Temple on January 22.