In the midst of the celebratory atmosphere in Ayodhya and the anticipation surrounding the consecration of the grand Ram Temple on January 22 next year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the temple town on Saturday to inaugurate several projects, including the flagging off of Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains.
The newly introduced trains have already arrived at Ayodhya Cantonment Railway station and are poised to be flagged off by PM Modi. He is set to launch two Amrit Bharat and six Vande Bharat trains from the redeveloped Ayodhya Dham Railway Station during his visit.
Amrit Bharat represents a novel category of superfast passenger trains, featuring the LHB push-pull configuration, though these trains are equipped with non-air-conditioned coaches. Noteworthy enhancements include locomotives at both ends for improved acceleration, redesigned seats, enhanced luggage racks, mobile charging points with suitable holders, LED lighting, CCTV surveillance, and a public information system.
The two Amrit Bharat trains scheduled for operation are Darbhanga-Ayodhya-Anand Vihar Terminal Amrit Bharat Express and Malda Town-Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminus (Bengaluru) Amrit Bharat Express.
Among the Vande Bharat trains set to be flagged off are Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express, Amritsar-Delhi Vande Bharat Express, Coimbatore-Bangalore Cantt Vande Bharat Express, Mangalore-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express, Jalna-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express, and Ayodhya-Anand Vihar Terminal Vande Bharat Express.
In addition to the train launches, Prime Minister Modi is slated to dedicate three railway projects amounting to Rs 2300 crore to bolster rail infrastructure in the region. These projects encompass the Rooma Chakeri-Chanderi third line project, various sections of the Jaunpur-Ayodhya-Barabanki doubling project, and the doubling and electrification project of the Malhaur-Daliganj railway section.
PM Modi is also set to inaugurate Phase I of the revamped Ayodhya Railway Station, known as Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station, developed at a cost exceeding Rs 240 crore. The three-story station building boasts modern amenities such as lifts, escalators, food plazas, puja needs shops, cloakrooms, child care rooms, and waiting halls. This ‘accessible for all’ and ‘IGBC-certified green station building’ aims to enhance the passenger experience.
Furthermore, PM Modi will inaugurate the newly constructed Ayodhya Airport, named Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham, developed in Phase 1 at a cost exceeding Rs 1450 crore. The airport’s terminal building, with an area of 6500 sqm, is adorned with depictions of the temple architecture of the upcoming Shri Ram Mandir and features sustainability elements such as insulated roofing, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, landscaping, a water treatment plant, a sewage treatment plant, and a solar power plant. The airport is anticipated to boost regional connectivity, stimulate tourism and business activities, and generate employment opportunities.
