Uttar Pradesh tops with most operational airports

Uttar Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone by having more than 10 operational airports, making it the sole state in the country to achieve this feat. On March 10, the prime minister inaugurated numerous airports and airport terminals nationwide. Among these were Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Moradabad, and Shravasti in Uttar Pradesh. Following closely after these inaugurations, the regional carrier flybig has commenced the sale of tickets for flights to Shravasti, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, and Aligarh from Lucknow. On its website, the airline mentions these destinations as part of RCS-UDAN, which is expected to significantly increase the number of operational airports in the country. This inauguration will bring the total number of operational airports in Uttar Pradesh to 13, the highest in any state. Despite being the most populous state in India, Uttar Pradesh has historically lacked adequate airport infrastructure, largely due to its comparatively lower GDP. In recent years, there has been a significant improvement in infrastructure across the state, including the expansion of existing terminals and the operationalization of new airports such as the one in Ayodhya. Civil enclaves have also been established at defense airfields like Bareilly. These airports hold great importance, with many being significant tourist destinations or having commercial value. For instance, Shravasti is renowned as the place where Gautam Buddha resided most after attaining enlightenment. Archaeological excavations at the Sravasti site have revealed numerous artworks and monuments related to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Previously, the closest airport was Ayodhya, which is over 100 kilometers away. Chitrakoot, another significant destination, is a major cultural and religious centre, with Chitrakoot Dham located in Uttar Pradesh and the town of Chitrakoot in neighboring Madhya Pradesh. This is where Lord Rama spent 11 years in exile.