Centre Approves Security Cover of Over 150 Armed CISF Commandos for Ayodhya Airport
GG News Bureau
Ayodhya, 10th Jan. The Union home ministry has approved the deployment of a CISF anti-terrorist team consisting of more than 150 personnel to provide security for the Ayodhya airport. This decision comes just days before the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple on January 22.
The Ayodhya airport, known as the ‘Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham,’ is now the 68th civil airport terminal in India to be protected by the CISF.
The CISF will be responsible for conducting security checks on passengers and their luggage, as well as securing the perimeter of the airport.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has authorized an armed contingent of over 150 CISF personnel, led by a Deputy Commandant, to ensure the safety of the airport. The airport will be expanded in phases across the 821 acres of land allocated for its development.
Last year, it was reported that the CISF would be assigned to protect the Ayodhya airport due to the perceived threat to the facility, which will serve as a major air gateway for pilgrims and visitors.
Central security and intelligence agencies conducted a review and recommended the CISF’s expertise in providing professional security cover for the airport.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that the airport’s capacity will be gradually increased.
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. The runway, currently 2,200 meters long, will accommodate aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus 319 and 320.
The second phase, pending approval from the Cabinet, will involve extending the runway to 3,700 meters, allowing international aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 to land in Ayodhya. The second phase will also expand the airport to 50,000 square meters.
The CISF was assigned the responsibility of guarding civil airports following the hijacking of the Indian Airlines Kathmandu-Delhi flight, IC-814, to Kandahar, Afghanistan in 1999.
