On January 22, Ayodhya witnessed a historic moment with the grand opening of the Ram temple, marking a significant turning point for the temple town on the banks of the Sarayu River. The consecration, or “Pran Pratishtha,” not only brought together India’s influential figures but also set the stage for Ayodhya’s remarkable transformation.
Ayodhya’s Makeover:
The post-temple era in Ayodhya has seen a surge in developmental projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and accommodating the anticipated increase in tourist footfall. In December, projects worth Rs 11,100 crore were initiated, including the construction of a new airport terminal, a revamped Ayodhya Dham railway station, and a greenfield town on 1,200 acres. These endeavors are crucial in alleviating congestion and preparing Ayodhya for the influx of visitors. The Ayodhya Master Plan 2031 outlines projects worth Rs 85,000 crore to further upgrade the town’s infrastructure.
Source: India Today
Ayodhya Hospitality Boom:
Recognizing the upcoming surge in pilgrims visiting the Ram temple, major hotel chains are investing in Ayodhya. Over 50 hotel construction projects are underway, featuring renowned brands like Taj, Oberoi, Trident, Marriott, Radisson, and Ginger. Mumbai-based real estate corporation, House of Abhinandan Lodha, plans to build the world’s first seven-star vegetarian-only hotel in Ayodhya. The city has experienced a surge in land prices, with realtors and hoteliers showing keen interest.
Ayodhya Hotel Bookings Soar:
As the consecration date approached, online searches for accommodation in Ayodhya skyrocketed. Platforms like booking.com reported over 75% unavailability in selected places. Some hotels increased their prices significantly, with rates spiking up to 200 times the regular fare. The Ayodhya Tent City, fully booked for the inauguration, anticipates 100% occupancy for weeks post-event. The lodging scenario reflects the growing demand and the town’s emerging status as a tourist destination.
Source: The Hindu
Airlines and Railways:
Major Indian airlines, including IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet, have launched flights connecting Ayodhya to major cities. The newly opened airport can now accommodate chartered flights, with over 100 chartered planes arriving ahead of the consecration event. Indian Railways has introduced 200 “Aastha Special Trains” to Ayodhya, connecting devotees from various states.
Major Surge in Tourist Footfall:
The Ram temple is poised to contribute to India’s thriving spiritual tourism industry. Projections indicate a daily influx of three to five lakh visitors for at least a month after the inauguration. With over $10 billion in investments, Ayodhya is expected to attract an annual footfall ranging from 50 million to 10 million, according to a report by Jefferies, an American investment bank.
Source: The Indian Express
Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir Spurs Job Creation:
The economic impact of the Ram temple goes beyond tourism, as it has already led to the creation of 20,000 jobs in hospitality, travel, and tourism. As hotels and real estate projects continue to develop, along with the expected increase in tourist traffic, job opportunities are set to expand further. Randstad India’s chief commercial officer predicts the creation of 20,000 to 25,000 permanent and temporary jobs, with adjacent cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur also reaping the benefits.
Economic Boost Across the Country:
The Confederation of All India Traders estimates that the consecration ceremony alone would generate Rs 1 trillion in business across the country. Beyond religious sentiments, the event is triggering a surge in economic activities, leading to the creation of new businesses based on the country’s traditional economic system, as noted by Praveen Khandelwal, national secretary-general of CAIT.
