Ayodhya is expected to see a massive increase in tourist footfall following the verdict on the Ayodhya dispute. After the verdict was rolled out by the Supreme Court on November 9 2019, clearing the way for the construction of the Rama Mandir on the disputed land.
With the makeshift Ram temple in the city already attracting more than 3 million visitors a year from different parts of the country, the Ayodhya district administration says more than 7000 devotees offer prayers at the temple every day. Anuj Jha, District Magistrate of Ayodhya said “Ayodhya has a good potential to become a big tourist spot. The district administration has already received a fund of about INR 400 crore to develop the airport here. We are in the process of acquiring land for this purpose”.
The Uttar Pradesh government all geared up to construct a resplendent destination in the temple town, Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government aims to build Ayodhya as the biggest religious destination in North India. The Modi government has also sanctioned INR 100 crore to revamp the Ayodhya railway station. Rumours of a 13-kilometre long corridor and a proposed cruise on the Sarayu river, have hotel brand owners like Vibhas Prasad converting heritage property in the city into an upscale boutique hotel.
Business Today reported that the tourism sector is expected to get a leg-up after the Supreme Court verdict, it is believed that initial investments would come from the tourism sector, followed by plenty business activity furthering tourism in the area. Girish Kshetrapal, who runs a shop near the temple said “ Now, there is no dispute over the land for the proposed temple. The construction of the Ram temple also means growth in business, particularly hotels. We think the value of our properties will grow in the market”.
Spiritual tourism is one of the biggest contributors to domestic tourism in India, the central government in 2014/15 launched a dedicated National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme aimed at strengthening the infrastructure for tourism across the country.
