Ayodhya Airport Gets CISF Cover Ahead of Ram Temple Consecration

The Union home ministry has sanctioned a more than 150 personnel strong CISF anti-terrorist cover for the Ayodhya airport, days before the high-profile consecration ceremony at the Ram temple on January 22.

In preparation for the high-profile consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, the Union Home Ministry has approved a more than 150 personnel strong Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) anti-terrorist cover for the Ayodhya airport. This move brings the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham under the umbrella of the specialized aviation security group (ASG) of the CISF, making it the 68th civil airport terminal in the country to receive such protection.

CISF to Provide Anti-Terrorist and Anti-Sabotage Cover

The CISF will be responsible for providing anti-terrorist and anti-sabotage cover to the Ayodhya airport, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2023. The force will conduct passenger and baggage frisking, as well as secure the perimeter of the facility, similar to the security measures implemented at other national and international airports.

Armed Contingent Sanctioned for Airport Security

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sanctioned an armed contingent of more than 150 CISF personnel, led by a Deputy Commandant rank officer, to secure the Ayodhya airport. This security presence will be gradually enhanced as the airport expands over the 821 acres of land allocated for its development.

Airport Expansion and Security Measures

The Ayodhya airport is set to undergo significant expansion in the coming years. In the first phase, the airport will cover an area of 65,000 square feet and will be able to handle two to three flights per hour. Construction is underway to build a 2,200-meter-long runway, which will allow Boeing 737 and Airbus 319 and 320 aircraft to land. Initially, the airport will have an apron for eight aircraft.

In the second phase of expansion, the length of the runway will be increased from 2,200 meters to 3,700 meters, enabling international aircraft such as Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 to land in Ayodhya. The second phase of the airport will also cover an area of 50,000 square meters.

CISF's Role in Airport Security

The CISF was entrusted with the task of guarding civil airports in India following the hijacking of the Indian Airlines Kathmandu-Delhi flight, IC-814, to Kandahar in Afghanistan in 1999. Since then, the force has played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of passengers and airport operations.

With the upcoming consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the deployment of CISF anti-terrorist cover at the Ayodhya airport is a proactive measure to ensure the security of the facility and its visitors. The CISF's expertise in aviation security will contribute to the smooth and safe functioning of the airport, facilitating the travel of pilgrims and tourists to this holy city.