UP Budget: Rs 100 Cr for Mahakumbh-2025 & Ayodhya Centre Funding

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced its budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, with special focus on the development of religious and cultural sites in the state. The budget has allocated Rs 100 crore for the overall development of Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, and Rs 150 crore for the expansion of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in the temple town. The budget has also provided Rs 100 crore for organising Mahakumbh-2025, the largest religious gathering in the world, in Prayagraj. In addition, the budget has proposed funds for an international Ramayan and Vedic research centre in Ayodhya, as well as for the construction of roads leading to various religious places.

Ayodhya Development

Ayodhya, the ancient city that is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, has been a focal point of the Uttar Pradesh government’s development agenda. The state government has been working on various projects to beautify and modernise the city, as well as to promote it as a global tourist destination. The budget has allocated Rs 100 crore for the overall development of Ayodhya, which includes infrastructure, sanitation, security, tourism and cultural activities. The budget has also provided Rs 150 crore for the expansion of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya, which is expected to boost connectivity and accessibility to the city. The airport is named after Maharishi Valmiki, the author of Ramayan, the epic that narrates the life and deeds of Lord Ram.

Mahakumbh-2025

Mahakumbh, or Kumbh Mela, is a massive pilgrimage of Hindus that takes place every 12 years at four locations in India: Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. The event is considered to be the largest peaceful gathering of people in the world, with millions of devotees taking a dip in the holy rivers to wash away their sins and attain salvation. The next Mahakumbh will be held in Prayagraj in 2025, and the state government has made a provision of Rs 2500 crore for its preparation. The budget has allocated Rs 100 crore for organising Mahakumbh-2025, which will cover expenses related to infrastructure, sanitation, security, health and other facilities. The state government aims to make Mahakumbh-2025 a grand and successful event that showcases the rich culture and heritage of Uttar Pradesh.

Ramayan and Vedic Research Centre

The budget has also proposed funds for an international Ramayan and Vedic research centre in Ayodhya, which will be dedicated to the study and dissemination of knowledge related to Ramayan, Vedas and other ancient scriptures. The centre will also conduct research on various aspects of Indian culture, history, philosophy and spirituality. The centre will aim to attract scholars and researchers from across the world, as well as to promote awareness and appreciation of India’s rich and diverse cultural legacy.

Road Development

The budget has also made a provision of Rs 1750 crore for the development of roads leading to various religious places in Uttar Pradesh. The state government has identified several routes that connect important pilgrimage sites such as Varanasi, Mathura, Vrindavan, Chitrakoot, Naimisharanya and others. The budget has allocated funds for the construction, widening and maintenance of these roads, as well as for the installation of street lights, signboards and other amenities. The state government hopes to improve the connectivity and convenience of pilgrims and tourists visiting these places.