This is Ayodhya Dham, the revamped Indian Railways station, with “airport-like” amenities; Top facts & beautiful images

​Ayodhya Dham railway station opening: PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated the redeveloped Ayodhya railway station on December 30, 2023. Ahead of the inauguration, the Ayodhya railway junction was given a new name: Ayodhya Dham. The new Ayodhya Dham railway station building has been given a temple architecture facade as a tribute to Lord Ram, while the interior boasts “airport-like” amenities. The inauguration of the new station building assumes significance ahead of the consecration ceremony at the Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024, after which Ayodhya is expected to see a rush of pilgrims and tourists. We take a look at some beautiful images and important facts about the redeveloped Ayodhya Dham railway station:​

The revamped Ayodhya Dham railway station has been redeveloped at a cost of approximately Rs 240 crore in the first phase. The new station building stands next to the existing structure. The redevelopment project, initiated a couple of years ago, has been overseen by RITES, a central public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways.

The elongated Ayodhya Dham railway station building encompasses three floors. These are; ground, mezzanine, and first. They feature 'shikhar' structures on the corners facing the railway tracks and chhatri-style elements on its frontage.

The station's top features a structure designed akin to a regal 'mukut' with a wall just below portraying a bow. This symbolic design signifies Ayodhya's deep-rooted connection with Lord Ram, PTI quoted a RITES official saying.

According to Indian Railways, the three-story modern building of the Ayodhya Dham railway station has several modern features such as food plazas, waiting halls (both on ground and first floor), cloak rooms, child care rooms, shops for puja needs etc.

Additionally the Ayodhya Dham railway station has lifts, escalators, toilets and a tourist information center for passengers’ convenience. The station is equipped with a taxi bay and an extended porch.

Similar to airports, and in line with the theme of “airport-like” redeveloped railway stations by Indian Railways, the Ayodhya Dham station will have separate arrival and departure areas for passengers. The new Ayodhya Dham railway station building measures 140m x 32.6m.

Ayodhya railway station building includes an extended front porch of 140m x 12m to shield passengers from inclement weather. The station building is designed to be 'Accessible for All' and IGBC Certified as a Green Station Building. In a beautiful sight, after dusk, both the old and new station buildings radiate a radiant pink hue.

The station's central dome spans over 11,000 square meters, drawing inspiration from Lord Ram's 'mukut' (crown), while the 'chakra' symbolizes the sun. Two 'shikhars' on the two-story building take cues from the Janaki temple, with seven 'mandaps' nestled between these 'shikhars’, according to an earlier report in TOI.