Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham (previously called the Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport) later today, during his much-anticipated visit to the city.
The built up area of the airport is 8,000 sq metres while the master plan is for 336.59 acres. The cost of the project is Rs 25 crore. The airport has been designed by Sthapati, with a team that includes Vipul B. Varshneya, Harsh Varshneya, Khushboo Bansal, Anuj Varshneya and Manish Gupta, in collaboration with the planning and design team of the Airport Authority of India (AAI).
Excerpts from an interview with Harsh Varshneya:
Q/ What are some of the standout features of the airport?
A/ The predominant features include the stepped, large and small shikhar (spire) topped with kalash (pinnacle) and the toran dwar (arched doorway/entrance) to the terminal building.
Q/ What are some of the elements of the city that have been depicted at the airport?
A/ At the main entrance of airport, a grand stepped shikar stands tall, adorned with brass. This architectural masterpiece follows the Nagara style, outlined with scriptures, presenting a majestic and culturally rich welcome to passengers. The city’s heritage and story unfold through intricate columns, each laden with profound symbolism. The mega columns supporting the terminal roof symbolise the Khandas (chapters) of the Ramayana, blending cultural richness into the airport's architecture. The Khandika, symbolising impermanence, coexists with the Deva Gana Patta, embodying divine features. Every column narrates a story of dedication, courage, and spirituality, weaving the city’s essence and heritage into the very fabric of the airport.
Q/ What is the first impression that a passenger alighting from a flight will get?
A/ The first glimpse out from an aircraft window, will be the building that reflects what the city of Ayodhya has to offer to the people visiting it. The airport is poised to transcend the ordinary, mirroring the cultural opulence of Ayodhya and redefining contemporary airports to authentically embody the city’s identity - a symbol of pride for the aviation industry.
Q/ What were the most challenging elements during designing the airport?
A/ In the current times of globalisation, giving a unique identity to an airport is the most challenging aspect in terms of architectural design. We wanted this airport to reflect the city of Ayodhya, the story and the rich history of this eternal city. A lot of research was done on the city’s past which gave deep insights into how this building could be and what the city of Ayodhya would expect from this upcoming terminal. The facade of the building had to be integrated with the internal planning to cater to the large footfall that this place envisages.
Q/ How do you view this project - it is unlike any other that you have been part of, given the elements of architecture and faith are combined?
A/ Projects like these are rare, sites like these are very rare. It is a unique opportunity to design a public building for an eternal city like Ayodhya with such a vast history. We believe that the onsite building is a perfect amalgamation of vernacular architecture blended with contemporary designs. It is an airport building, the people of Ayodhya shall relate to, as one of their own and which has been built for them for times to come.
Q/ Have the elements used in construction also kept the unique ethos of the city in mind?
A/ The terminal building is a canvas of profound messages. The artworks inside the building symbolise the courage to confront untruth, while hexagonal light particles embody the eternal triumph of truth over hierarchy. From arrivals to skylights, the artworks intricately depict the timeless tale of Lord Ram from the Ramayan, creating an immersive, sensory-rich experience beyond traditional airport designs. Strategically placed skylights serve as guiding beacons, enhancing wayfinding and offering a sensory experience for passengers.
Q/ What are the smaller elements, not necessarily visible to others, that you would like to point out?
A/ The Ayodhya Airport pushes for innovation in Tier 2 cities with sustainable and environmentally conscious design embracing carbon neutrality with eco-conscious Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GRC) materials. The design pioneers sustainable practices in aviation. Ornamental work, meticulously crafted in GFRC used after extensive research with technical precision, replaces traditional stone and significantly contributes to environmental sustainability, resulting in substantial carbon emission reductions compared to traditional sandstone facades.