Over the past six years, Ayodhya has seen a resurgence, led by the Yogi Adityanath government. This transformation began with the change in nomenclature, rechristening the city and its institutions to align with its historical and spiritual significance. Ayodhya was officially recognized as the district and commissionerate headquarters, with various government entities adopting the city’s name. This was only the beginning of Ayodhya’s journey to rejuvenation.
Infrastructure Development Propels Ayodhya
Ayodhya’s transformation extends to critical infrastructure development. Notably, the city is witnessing the construction of the Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport, which is nearing completion. With domestic flights set to commence in December 2023, the airport will facilitate easy access for pilgrims and tourists. Furthermore, there is an ongoing effort to enhance connectivity between Ayodhya and other regions, including the introduction of new trains and Vande Bharat trains.
A Surge in Accommodations
The construction of the grand Ram temple has drawn an increasing number of devotees to Ayodhya. The city anticipates a daily influx of one and a half to two lakh devotees in the next two years. To accommodate this surge, around 32 hotels are awaiting tourism licenses. Additionally, various small-scale accommodations, such as restaurants, guest houses, and Dharamshala, are being built to ensure that visitors have comfortable and affordable options.
A Gateway to Ayodhya’s Rich Heritage
Ayodhya’s renaissance goes beyond infrastructure and accommodations. The Tourism Department is constructing gateway structures at key entry points to Ayodhya, such as the highways connecting Sultanpur, Basti, Gonda, Ambedkar Nagar, and Rae Bareli. These gates, named after Lord Ram’s descendants and servants, will welcome visitors and serve as passenger convenience centers, offering a range of amenities, including hotels, guest houses, parking facilities, charging stations, and petrol pumps.
Extensive Tourist Attraction Plans
Ayodhya aims to diversify its tourist attractions, encouraging visitors to explore the city’s rich heritage beyond the Ram temple. Projects are underway to develop more than 150 religious sites along the 84 Kosi Parikrama route and transform 37 ponds and lakes into tourist centers. Cruise services and water sports along the Saryu River have also been introduced, providing unique experiences for tourists. Furthermore, Ayodhya is set to welcome an Ice Park and Wax Museum.
Celebrating Culture and History
Ayodhya’s cultural and historical significance is being celebrated through murals, statues, and artworks. The Ram Path, connecting the Ram Temple to the Bhakti Path and Ram Janmabhoomi, has been widened and adorned with murals depicting the Ram Katha. Statues of characters from the Ramayana period grace the streets, and paintings of Ram Katha decorate the walls of flyovers, alleviating traffic congestion.
Academic and Cultural Enrichment
Ayodhya’s transformation is not limited to physical infrastructure. The city now boasts a medical college offering both MBBS and MD courses, contributing to its academic enrichment. Plans to start postgraduate courses further signify Ayodhya’s commitment to becoming an educational hub.
Green City Ayodhya
In an ambitious move, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to inaugurate Green City Ayodhya, a modern religious city that includes monasteries, temples, residential complexes, educational institutions, and international guest houses. This 1400-acre project is a testament to Ayodhya’s rapid progress and its promising future.
