Once a quiet temple town on the banks of the Saryu, Ayodhya has emerged as a world-class spiritual, economic, and tourism hub under the leadership of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. With projects worth over ₹32,000 crore underway, aiming to make Ayodhya both a global pilgrimage destination and a model of sustainable urban development.
The projects include new highways, riverfront development, housing complexes, and a modern international airport. The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, built at a cost of ₹1,463 crore, has become one of the most important projects connecting Ayodhya with global tourism.
The city’s main roads such as Ram Path, Bhakti Path, and Janmabhoomi Path have been widened into four-lane avenues linking major spiritual landmarks. Decorative lighting, improved drainage, and multi-level parking facilities have eased traffic and pilgrim movement. The Saryu River ghats, including the iconic Ram Ki Paidi, have been redeveloped with granite steps, solar lighting, and seating for 20,000 visitors.
Many residents who have lived through Ayodhya’s long years of quiet say the change has been almost unbelievable. “I have seen Ayodhya change before my eyes,” said Rajendra Tiwari, a 62-year-old shopkeeper near Hanumangarhi. “There was a time when pilgrims had to walk through narrow, uneven lanes and struggle for basic facilities. Now the streets are clean, well-lit, and organized, yet the spiritual warmth of Ayodhya remains the same.”
Rickshaw puller Ram Naresh Yadav, who has ferried pilgrims for 25 years, agreed. “Earlier, people used to avoid staying after sunset because there were no lights or proper roads. Now, during Deepotsav, it feels like Ayodhya never sleeps. The city has come alive, and so have our livelihoods,” he said.
Under Chief Minister Adityanath, the Deepotsav festival has grown from a modest local celebration into a global cultural spectacle. Each year, Ayodhya sets new records by lighting millions of diyas along the Saryu ghats during Diwali, earning recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records. The event now doubles as a showcase for Ayodhya’s modern infrastructure, tourism pavilions, and smart-city innovations, reflecting the city’s seamless blend of tradition and technology.
“Every brick and every lamp here reflects the emotion of millions,” said Prof. Sant Sharan Mishra, the nodal officer for Deepotsav coordination. “The new Ayodhya is not about concrete alone; it’s about connecting faith with modern facilities.”
This year’s event saw a record-breaking 26.6 lakh diyas illuminating the ghats of the Saryu River, earning another mention in the Guinness Book of World Records. Local potter Ramdas Prajapati from the nearby Sohawal block said the event has brought economic benefits as well. “For years, I made diyas for small local orders. Now my work is part of something historic. My income during Diwali has tripled,” he said.
Transformation of Ayodhya
More than 200 development projects, from smart roads and solar power initiatives to urban greenery, have turned Ayodhya into a model of sustainable growth. Public and private investments exceeding Rs 10,000 crore have fueled the transformation. Projects such as the 1,407-acre Greenfield Township and the Ram Van Gaman Path have created over 20,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for local youth.
The government envisions Ayodhya as India’s first fully solar-powered heritage city. New institutions such as the Ramayana Research Institute, the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Sports Complex, and the Bharat Path are reinforcing Ayodhya’s identity as a center of culture, education, and innovation.
Since the launch of Ayodhya Vision 2047, the city has witnessed a series of landmark developments. The beautification of Saryu ghats and Ram Ki Paidi began in 2017, followed by the announcement of the Ayodhya Master Plan 2031 and groundwork for the airport and rail network in 2019. In 2021, heritage and tourism corridor projects were initiated, and four-lane connectivity to Lucknow and Prayagraj took shape. By 2023, the chief minister inaugurated 44 projects worth ₹212 crore and laid the foundation for 38 others valued at ₹1,763 crore, including the Parikrama Marg expansion. The following year saw the completion of the first phase of the airport, smart roads, and the launch of Ayodhya’s solar city program.
The transformation reached a new milestone in 2025 when Ayodhya gained global recognition during Deepotsav celebrations, alongside the completion of the New Ayodhya Township, Parikrama Marg, and cultural center expansions.
“When I take my students to see the new Ram Path or the cultural center, they feel proud,” said Sunita Mishra, a schoolteacher. “For them, Ayodhya is no longer a distant pilgrimage town—it’s their own world-class city.”
From ancient sanctity to futuristic ambition, Ayodhya’s transformation under Yogi Adityanath reflects India’s broader journey toward becoming a global spiritual capital rooted in sustainability and innovation.
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