Ayodhya’s $10B Revamp: A Boost for Indian Tourism

Ayodhya, an ancient city in Uttar Pradesh, is revered by millions of Hindus as the birthplace of Lord Ram, the hero of the epic Ramayana. For decades, the city has been at the center of a religious dispute over the site where a 16th-century mosque once stood, which many Hindus believe was built over an earlier temple dedicated to Ram. In 2019, the Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of building a new Ram temple at the site, paving the way for a historic resolution of the conflict.

On January 22, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Ram Mandir (Ram Temple) in Ayodhya, in a grand ceremony attended by thousands of devotees and dignitaries. The temple, which covers an area of 2.7 acres and rises to a height of 161 feet, is designed in the Nagara style of architecture and features five domes, 360 pillars, and intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The temple also houses a 4-foot-tall idol of Ram made of black stone, along with idols of his consort Sita, his brother Lakshman, and his devotee Hanuman.

The inauguration of the Ram Mandir marks a new dawn for Ayodhya, which is set to become a global tourist hotspot with a $10 billion makeover. The government has earmarked this amount for a comprehensive revamp of the city’s infrastructure and facilities, with the aim of attracting over 50 million tourists annually . Some of the key projects under this plan include:

– A 600-acre theme park based on the Ramayana, featuring attractions such as a 7D theater, a musical fountain, a laser show, and replicas of various locations from the epic.
– A 251-meter-tall statue of Ram, which will be the tallest statue in the world, surpassing the Statue of Unity in Gujarat.
– A new international airport named after Ram, which will have a capacity of handling 30 million passengers per year.
– A high-speed rail corridor connecting Ayodhya with Delhi and other major cities.
– A four-lane highway linking Ayodhya with Lucknow and Varanasi.
– A cruise service on the Sarayu river, which flows through Ayodhya.
– A heritage walk along the ghats (riverfront steps) of Ayodhya, showcasing its rich cultural and historical legacy.
– A world-class museum and research center on Ramayana studies.
– A modern convention center and auditorium for hosting cultural events and conferences.
– A slew of hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and entertainment zones to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of tourists.

The transformation of Ayodhya into a global tourist destination is expected to boost the economy and employment opportunities in the region, as well as promote peace and harmony among different communities. According to Jefferies, a financial services company, Ayodhya will offer a strategic first-mover advantage to hospitality, food, travel, and transport businesses that set up their operations in the city . Some of the leading players that have already announced their plans to enter Ayodhya include Indian Hotels, ITC, Marriott, OYO, Burger King, McDonald’s, Jubilant Foods, Devyani International, IndiGo, Tata group’s Air India, Spicejet, and others .

Ayodhya’s $10 billion transformation is not only a testament to its religious significance but also a reflection of its potential to become a world-class tourist attraction. As PM Modi said in his inaugural speech , “Ayodhya is not just a city but an emotion for us. It is the land where Lord Ram was born and where he ruled. It is the land where he taught us how to live with dignity and honor. It is the land where he showed us how to uphold truth and justice. It is the land where he inspired us to serve humanity and protect nature. Today, we are witnessing a new chapter in Ayodhya’s glorious history. Today, we are fulfilling our duty to preserve and promote our cultural heritage. Today, we are opening new doors for Ayodhya’s development and prosperity.”

The development of Ayodhya will also have a positive impact on India’s tourism sector as a whole. According to a report by KPMG India , India’s tourism industry is expected to grow at an annual rate of 13 percent and contribute 9.2 percent to the country’s GDP by 2029. The report also states that India has the potential to become one of the top five tourist destinations in the world, with a projected 116 million foreign tourist arrivals and 2.4 billion domestic tourist visits by 2029. Ayodhya, with its unique blend of spirituality, culture, and history, will be a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists, who will also explore other nearby destinations such as Varanasi, Allahabad, Lucknow, Agra, and Delhi. Ayodhya will thus play a vital role in enhancing India’s image as a diverse and vibrant destination that offers something for everyone.