World-class airport and railway station, solar powered street lights, top-rated hotels and all- equipped hospitals, this is not a Metro city scenario. It is Ayodhya which has become the hottest investment destination in the last few years ever since the construction of fabled Shri Ram Temple began. A comprehensive coverage of the sector-wise development in the city of Ram by SURFACES REPORTER.
Infrastructure
For centuries, the city of Ayodhya holds great significance in the hearts of devotees. However, the sheer neglect of the infrastructure turned the city into ruins in the last few decades. But as soon as the verdict came in the favour of Ram Temple, its face started to change.
It now boasts the marvellous Maharishi Valmiki International Airport and the Ayodhya Dham Railway Station which are the biggest evidence of rapid transformation of the sacred city.
With almost 80,000 to one lakh visitors expected per day, the government has geared up to transform the town of Ayodhya into the biggest tourism destination of the state.
The development and infrastructure projects of the Ayodhya City have been categorised into eight broad themes – Aesthetic Ayodhya, Clean Ayodhya, Efficient Ayodhya, Accessible Ayodhya, Experiential Ayodhya, Modern Ayodhya, Cultural Ayodhya and Healthy Ayodhya.
According to the reports, approximately 178 projects, amounting to around Rs 30,500 crores, have been initiated to elevate Ayodhya into a world-class city.
Recently, during his visit in December 2023, Prime Minister Shri Narenda Modi, inaugurated the revamped Ayodhya Dham Station and Airport, flagged off Amrit Bharat Trains and introduced new Vande Bharat Trains. He also inaugurated projects worth approximately Rs 11,100 crore tailored for Ayodhya's development and an additional Rs 4,600 crore allocated for various projects across Uttar Pradesh.
In order to facilitate accessibility to the Shri Ram Mandir, the PM inaugurated four widened and beautified roads in Ayodhya, including Rampath, Bhaktipath, Dharampath, and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Path.
Transformed from a modest airstrip into an expansive international airport, the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport was made operational within two years with a total expenditure of more than Rs 1,400 Crores.
In the first phase the airport can handle 10 lakh passengers annually and after the second phase, Maharishi Valmiki International Airport will cater to 60 lakh commuters annually.
On the similar yet differentiated tunes, the Ayodhya Dham Railway Station has a sprawling G+2 Complex with excellent amenities at par with any metro city.
In addition, the Indian Railway too is undertaking massive rail infrastructure overhaul in Uttar Pradesh including doubling of railway tracks originating or heading towards Ayodhya.
The government has also introduced helicopter services in the Ayodhya Town in order to boost the connectivity. The helicopter services will operate between Lucknow and Ayodhya. A total of six helicopters have been arranged between the state capital and the holy city. Of these, three helicopters will be flown from Ayodhya and three helicopters from Lucknow.
Ayodhya- The Solar City
According to a report by PTI, Ayodhya is on its way to become the first Solar City of Uttar Pradesh. As per the Solar Energy Policy, any city meeting 10 percent of its electricity demand through renewable power will be designated as a solar city. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has envisioned that the historic city will be the capital of renewable solar energy in recognition of its historical significance.
The PTI report suggests that the comprehensive Five-year plan includes establishing a solar park along the Saryu River, introducing solar-powered boats, installing solar streetlights, implementing solar energy sources in public transport, offering solar-powered amenities like mobile charging points in public spaces, electrifying government buildings with solar energy, and expanding the use of solar power for domestic consumption.
Undertaken by UPNEDA, the project is spanning five years (2023-28). The initial phase focuses on essential components such as streetlights, solar panels on government buildings, e-rickshaws with charging stations, solar trees, and solar-powered water purifiers for drinking water kiosks. The target is to complete most of them by January 22, 2024.
Hospitality
Interestingly, Ayodhya which so far didn't have a decent stay option has now become a hot bed for large hotel chains. Major hospitality brands including IHCL, Marriott, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, have signed deals for Ayodhya hotels due to infrastructure development. Five branded hotels with 520 rooms are under construction.
Industry experts expect Ayodhya hotel development to cost Rs 350 crore, with most hotels opening after 2024. Sarovar Hotels & Resorts will open its 80-room Park Inn by Radisson to coincide with the city’s rise.
Additionally, the temple town will also see the inauguration of India's first seven-star luxury hotel offering exclusive vegetarian menu. This luxurious establishment will boast 56 fully air-conditioned rooms, each exquisitely decorated with distinctive themes. The hotel will host Naivedyam, an upscale vegetarian restaurant designed to satisfy the refined tastes of its guests.
Real Estate
The government has already sanctioned eight townships in the Ayodhya town. Private players from across the country have taken land in Ayodhya as well as its twin city Faizabad to set up hospitality, residential and mixed-use projects.
The investment from the private players has really upped the game in the city causing a steep rise in the rates of land. There is an almost 12- 20 times price jump in the land in the immediate vicinity of the temple.
According to data from Ayodhya's Stamp and Registration Department, property registrations have increased by more than four times between 2017-18 and 2021-22.The revenue generated by the department has risen to ? 15,631.33 lakh up till November this year from around 10,000 lakh in 2018-19.
With the consecration ceremony only days away, the town is set to see the biggest boom in its economy thanks to the efforts by state and central government.
With inputs from varied new sources including ET Now, HT, Moneycontrol & more.