"Ayodhya is going to be big epicentre of India's religious pilgrimage," says Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

His comments came on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly-built Ayodhya Airport, redeveloped Ayodhya Railway Station and flagged off new Amrit Bharat trains and Vande Bharat trains.

Speaking with ANI during a visit to Punjab's Bathinda, the Union Minister said, "Ayodhya is going to be a big epicentre of India's religious pilgrimage..."

He said that the infrastructure of Ayodhya needs to be developed by looking at the number of people who will be coming to visit Ayodhya in the coming days.

"Along with the construction of Ram temple, PM Modi also is doing work for the holistic development of Ayodhya...," he added.

Highlighting the significance of the Ayodhya he said, "The spotlight of the world will be on the Ayodhya in the coming days".

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged citizens to light a 'Shri Ram Jyoti' in their homes and celebrate Deepavali on January 22, when the idol of Lord Ram will be consecrated at the grand temple in Ayodhya.

Addressing a mega public gathering in Ayodhya, PM Modi said the whole world is eagerly waiting for January 22."This historic moment has very fortunately come into our lives. We have to make a new resolve for the country and fill ourselves with new energy. For this, I urge all the 140 crore countrymen to light Shri Ram Jyoti in their homes on January 22 and celebrate Deepavali," the Prime Minister said.

He also unveiled multiple development projects worth more than Rs 15,700 crore in the state.

The Prime Minister noted that the airport has been inaugurated and other development works unveiled on a date that coincides with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisting the flag in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands "to announce India's freedom."

The Prime Minister said the government is working to boost infrastructure in Ayodhya and the city will give direction to development not only in the Awadh region but throughout Uttar Pradesh. (ANI)