Ayodhya's 21st-Century Makeover: Modern infrastructure enhances the sacred city ahead of Ram Temple inauguration

Both the Centre and state governments are likely to invest more than Rs 80,000 crore for the overall development of Ayodhya.

In preparation for the inauguration of the Ram Temple on January 22, Ayodhya is undergoing a transformation into a 21st-century temple town. The redevelopment includes features such as wide roads, orange-colored houses, multi-level parking facilities, Wi-Fi hotspots, and the construction of an international airport, among other amenities.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath  said Ayodhya is “emerging as the epitome of New India”, a city dedicated to Ram as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Thousands of workers are working in shifts through the night to make this a reality.

“The Chief Minister wants to make Ram appealing to everyone. He wanted us to create a city that displays the ethos, deeds, and learnings of lord Ram in such a manner that the younger generation can connect with it,” Vishal Singh, vice chairman of the Ayodhya Development Authority, told ThePrint.

Also read: After 30 years of silence, Saraswati Aggarwal to end vow in Ayodhya on January 22

Development and infrastructure projects have been categorised into eight broad themes – Aesthetic Ayodhya, Clean Ayodhya, Efficient Ayodhya, Accessible Ayodhya, Experiential Ayodhya, Modern Ayodhya, Cultural Ayodhya and Healthy Ayodhya.

Hospitality sector

Anticipating the influx of lakhs of devotees from across the country and the world after the inauguration of the Ram Temple, the hotel industry is gearing up to meet the demand. Leading hotel brands, including 5-star establishments like Taj, Radisson, and ITC Hotels, as well as budget players like OYO, are reportedly planning to open new hotels in Ayodhya.

According to the Economic Times, Tata Group's hospitality firm, Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), is planning to open two new properties in Ayodhya. Similarly, Radisson is also considering similar plans for new establishments in the city. Another major player, ITC Hotels, is exploring opportunities in Ayodhya to address the anticipated surge in demand. The projections suggest that the city could witness up to 4 crore visitors annually by 2031, prompting hotel chains to strategise and expand their presence in Ayodhya to cater to the growing tourism and pilgrimage sector.   Watch here.

Yogi Adityanath has previously mentioned that the state government is anticipating private investments of Rs 25,000 crore, particularly in the hospitality sector.

Tent cities have been established at various locations by the Shri Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra Trust and Ayodhya Development Authority. These tent cities are designed to provide temporary accommodations and are equipped with essential facilities such as tube wells for water supply, kitchens, and medical facilities.

The authorities have arranged buses and golf carts to take visitors to the temple.  They have built facilities including multi-level car parking and 2,000 new public toilets. The launch of the "Holy Ayodhya" app and the interest of FMCG companies and food services chains, including Bisleri International, in establishing a presence in Ayodhya indicate a strategic approach to enhance the overall experience for visitors and tap into economic opportunities.

Better connectivity

Both the central and state governments are expected to invest more than Rs 80,000 crore for the overall development of Ayodhya under the Master Plan 2031. This substantial investment is indicative of the commitment to transforming Ayodhya into a modern and well-developed city. The recent inauguration of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport and Ayodhya Railway Station by the Prime Minister aligns with this broader vision for the city's development, according a report in The Times of India.

Also read: PM Modi, temple authorities ask people to visit Ayodhya after Jan 23

Phase 1 of the state-of-the-art airport in Ayodhya has been developed at a cost of more than Rs 1,450 crore. The airport's terminal building spans an area of 6,500 sqm and has the capacity to serve approximately 10 lakh passengers annually.

The design of the terminal building's facade reflects temple architecture, adding a cultural touch to the infrastructure.The airport, spread over 821 acres and built at a cost of Rs 250 crore, is envisioned to connect Ayodhya not only to other parts of India but also to international destinations such as Thailand and Cambodia.

The Ayodhya Railway Station, now renamed Ayodhya Dham Junction, occupies a sprawling 11,414 square meters and has been designed to emulate the glory of Treta Yuga, drawing inspiration from various elements of Ramayana's revered narrative. The renaming and redesigning of the station reflect a cultural and thematic integration with the historical and religious significance of Ayodhya.

Moreover, the Railways have announced plans to introduce 10-15 new daily train services to and from Ayodhya over the next few months.
The inauguration of widened and beautified roads in Ayodhya, including Rampath, Bhaktipath, Dharampath, and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Path, demonstrates the commitment to enhancing the city's infrastructure and overall aesthetics.

Improving road connectivity and beautifying key pathways contribute to the overall experience of residents, pilgrims, and tourists visiting Ayodhya.

Revamping ghats

The transformation of Guptar Ghat into a popular spot with water sports facilities and modern amenities, along with the revamping of old temples and ghats with additional features, showcases the comprehensive efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure in Ayodhya. Initiatives such as the Ramayana sound and light show, colourful fountains, and the proposed boat rides on the Sarayu River contribute to creating a vibrant and engaging experience for visitors and devotees. The integration of cultural elements, modern amenities, and recreational activities aims to make Ayodhya an attractive destination for tourists and pilgrims alike.

Other measures

The effort to paint shops along the Bhakti Path leading to Hanuman Garhi temple in orange not only contributes to the aesthetic upliftment of the area but also aligns with the symbolic color associated with religious and cultural significance. Additionally, the installation of a 40-megawatt solar power plant by NTPC and the ongoing groundwork for a 5 MW solar plant by the Indian Industries Association (IIA) exemplify the commitment towards sustainable and eco-friendly development in Ayodhya.