The Ram temple in Ayodhya will miss its original completion deadline of June 2025, construction committee chairman Nripendra Mishra said on November 9.
It will now likely be complete by September 2025, which is a delay of 3 months from the scheduled date of completion.
But what has led to the delay? According to Mishra, there is labour shortage apart from the need to replace certain stones of the temples which don't appear sturdy.
"A shortage of around 200 workers and the need to replace certain stones on the temple's first floor are the primary reasons for the delay," he said.
"Currently, we are facing a labour shortage which is causing delays in construction. The complete construction is now expected by September 2025 instead of June 2025," Mishra, chairman of the Temple Construction Committee, added.
Around 8.5 lakh cubic feet of red 'Bansi Paharpur' stones have been readied for the temple boundary and delivered to Ayodhya but the construction has not picked up pace due to the reduced workforce.
In addition to the worker shortage, Mishra noted that some stones on the first floor appeared 'weak and thin' which will have to be replaced. "Those stones will now be replaced with 'Makrana' stones to ensure durability," he stated.
A recent two-day meeting of the temple construction committee also reviewed the status of other structures associated with the temple, including the auditorium, boundary and circumambulation path - all of which remain under construction.
Mishra said that statues for the temple, including those for Lord Ram's court and six surrounding temples, are in production in Jaipur and are expected to arrive in Ayodhya by December.
"The sculptor has assured us that all statues will be completed by year-end," he said, adding that final decisions regarding their placement within the temple complex will follow.
Two statues of Ram Lalla, already accepted by the temple trust, are also set to be installed in prominent locations.
Discussions continue on improving visitor flow, specifically addressing a smoother exit route for devotees after visiting the Janmabhoomi path.
Mishra acknowledged the crowding issues and emphasised that these considerations are part of the planning process to enhance accessibility for visitors.
-With agency inputs
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