The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has taken charge of security operations at the Maharashi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya in preparation for the forthcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple. This transition comes ahead of the temple’s public opening on January 23, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the airport on December 30.
Presently, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is jointly guarding the temple complex alongside Uttar Pradesh’s Special Security Force (SSF) until January 22, amidst speculation about the transfer of security responsibilities to SSF. However, officials familiar with the matter clarified that no official order has been issued yet to replace CRPF.
During the initial period post the consecration ceremony, both CRPF and SSF will continue joint surveillance due to the expected surge in visitor footfall. The security arrangement is poised to resemble the model adopted at Parliament, where CRPF oversees perimeter security while SSF manages visitor access and checks.
Approximately 1100 CRPF personnel, including a dedicated team for emergency response, are stationed at the Ram temple, akin to the Parliament Duty Group’s role in safeguarding the Parliament against intrusion or attack.
As the inauguration approaches, mock trials are underway within the temple complex, focusing on high-traffic areas to ensure meticulous security arrangements. SSF, patterned after CISF protocols and established in 2020, is entrusted with securing vital installations across Uttar Pradesh, trained by paramilitary forces.
Meanwhile, CISF has assumed control of security at Ayodhya’s airport, deploying around 300 CRPF personnel round-the-clock. Initially serving approximately one million passengers annually, the airport’s capacity is projected to escalate to six million in subsequent phases. A deputy commandant-ranked officer will lead the CISF personnel, now overseeing security at 68 airports nationwide.
The seamless transition in security protocols signifies the meticulous planning underway to safeguard both the Ram temple and the Ayodhya airport, anticipating a significant surge in visitors during these pivotal moments of historical and infrastructural significance.
Sources By Agencies