Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday virtually launched Indigo Airlines’ direct air service between Ayodhya and Ahmedabad at an event organized on Thursday. Devotees/tourists who wish to have darshan of Lord Shri Ram now have the option of taking the direct flight from Ahmedabad to reach Ayodhya.
Expressing happiness over the launch of the new air service, the Chief Minister said, “With this direct flight, Ayodhya has become directly connected to Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad is the second place after Delhi to be connected to Ayodhya through air service. Starting from January 15, there will also be flight services between Ayodhya and Mumbai.”He said that another flight service between Delhi and Ayodhya will start on January 16. He further highlighted that improved air services contribute significantly to tourism and business activities.
Discussing the improving air services in the state, the Chief Minister mentioned that the number of air passengers in the state increased from 59.97 lakh in the financial year 2016-17 to 96.02 lakh in the financial year 2022-23, representing a growth rate of 29.46 percent in the past three years. He informed that in 2016-17, Lucknow airport received 39.68 lakh passengers, Varanasi had 19.16 lakh, Gorakhpur 54,000, and Prayagraj received 45,000. In 2022-23, however, UP recorded massive jump in the tourists’ footfall with Lucknow receiving 52.20 lakh, Varanasi 25.21 lakh, Gorakhpur 7.18 lakh, and Prayagraj 5.71 lakh passengers.
CM Yogi emphasized the vision of the Prime Minister, where even an ordinary citizen can travel by air. The state government is committed to realizing this vision. He mentioned that five years ago, Ayodhya had a small airstrip, but today Maharishi Valmiki International Airport is operational. He added that Ayodhya is now a sought after destination for everyone, and the government has improved its connectivity by road, rail, and air, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision.
