While the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has set up special lounges for VIP guests, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has deployed about 150 personnel. The CISF has also increased its presence at the nearby airports where some of the guests will have to alight due to space constraints at Ayodhya airport, which was inaugurated by the prime minister on December 30.
Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration: Catch all the live action here
“We have done multiple dry runs and have also increased strength in airports in the vicinity,” a senior CISF official said.
A dozen airports in five states – Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur, Kushinagar, Gorakhpur, Khajuraho, Jabalpur and Bhopal among them – have been designated as alternative sites for parking.
With more than 100 charter flights ferrying guests to Ayodhya on Monday for the ceremony, there won’t be enough space to park. Ayodhya airport director Vinod Kumar told ET that the demand has been so high that it had been forced to deny landing permits for the charter flights of several corporate bosses and celebrities. They will have to land at nearby airports such as Lucknow and Varanasi and travel by road, a journey of about 2-4 hours.”There are eight bays at Ayodhya airport which will be used to accommodate aircraft and helicopters of the prime minister’s entourage, which includes the special flight Air India One and helicopters,” Kumar said. “We also have scheduled flights. So we haven’t given any permission for parking of other charter planes.”
Immigration Clearance Desk
The airport will be shut for operations for 30 minutes before and after Prime Minister Modi’s arrival as per security protocols. Kumar said the airport has also set up immigration and customs clearance enclosure for people coming from abroad. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the organiser of the event, has extended invitations to representatives from 50 foreign countries to attend the ceremony.
A senior Lucknow airport official said that among those who arrived on Sunday evening to attend the event were actors Amitabh Bachhan and Pawan Kalyan, ArcelorMittal chairman Lakshmi Mittal and the Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Mutt.
“The airport will accommodate eight charter aircraft of guests who are arriving for the ceremony. A special lounge has been set up where guests can rest before starting for Ayodhya,” said a spokesperson of Lucknow airport, which is run by the Adani Group.
Senior CISF officials have flown to Ayodhya to oversee security. The ministry of home affairs had sanctioned the armed contingent of 150 personnel under the command of a deputy commandant-rank officer for securing Ayodhya airport, which will be enhanced in phases on the 821-acre area sanctioned for it.
