In a step towards construction of an international airport in Ayodhya, the UP Civil Aviation department signed a lease agreement with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) over the transfer of 317.855 acres of land for completing the project.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was present on this occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Yogi said that the common man’s religious sentiments were linked with Ayodhya. "Today marks the auspicious beginning of the making of an international airport to be dedicated to Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya."
The chief minister further said that improved air connectivity in Uttar Pradesh in the last five years was a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment and vision where he had said that even those wearing ‘slippers’ would travel in airplanes.
"At present, nine airports are functioning in Uttar Pradesh. Till 2017, just four airports in the state were connected to mere 25 destinations. Now flights for 75 destinations across the country are available from the various airports of the state," Yogi pointed out.
The chief minister also said that better connectivity not only saved time or ease congestion but it also helped in connecting the region with employment opportunities, ensuring the development of the area.
"With both the Central and UP governments planning to make Ayodhya an international tourism hub after the work on Ram temple, the international airport is an ambitious project to boost tourism and provide air-connectivity to adjoining areas," he stressed.
Yogi further said that the process of construction of 10 new airports was underway in the state on a war footing, and currently three international airports were functional in UP.
"With the completion of Asia’s largest international airport at Jewar (Noida) and the one in Ayodhya, UP will become the biggest contributor to the country in terms of providing international air services," he said.
The chief minister also praised the Ayodhya district administration for timely acquiring the required land for the first phase of the project.
"The land required for the international airport now is only 86 acres, which will also be acquired in the next two to three months. We will take it forward with full preparations," he added.
Yogi also directed the officials of departments concerned to work with an aim to make Ayodhya water secure and the cleanest city of the country in the next five years.