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One year after the grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple, Ayodhya is undergoing a significant transformation. The city, once a Nagar Palika Parishad with an estimated population of 80,000, is now experiencing a massive influx of pilgrims, with daily visitor numbers ranging from 80,000 to 250,000 – a threefold increase. This surge in tourism necessitates extensive infrastructural development, creating a city in constant transition. The construction of the Ram Temple itself is a major undertaking, needing to accommodate this overwhelming number of visitors while adhering to a revised completion deadline of March 30, 2025. The city's makeover is evident in the ongoing construction of roads, flyovers, and numerous hotels in varying stages of completion. Restaurants are replacing traditional sweet shops, and the sale of Ram Temple idol replicas thrives, reflecting the religious fervor of the visitors. Interestingly, the changing demographics are even influencing local cuisine; idli-sambhar has become a popular choice, replacing puri-sabji as the roadside dhabas cater to the influx of pilgrims from South India.
The rapid growth, however, presents its challenges. Local residents, some displaced by the Ram Temple project, express concerns regarding the perceived slow pace of construction since the recent elections, linking it to the BJP's unexpected defeat in the Faizabad Lok Sabha seat. Ram Prakash, a local resident, highlights the daily struggles with traffic congestion and parking difficulties. Despite these concerns, Ayodhya Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi assures that all major civic works and access routes to the temple are complete or nearing completion. Nripendra Misra, chairperson of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's construction committee, confirms the March 30, 2025, completion date for the main temple, and July 2025 for the 1.1-km long periphery. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the safety and security of the large number of devotees during the construction process, which averages over two lakh daily visitors, further amplified by the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj. The anticipated number of pilgrims on Mauni Amavasya, January 29th, is projected to exceed 3 lakh.
Beyond the main temple, the construction plan includes seven smaller temples dedicated to sages and saints, which are symbolic of social harmony. The idols for the 'Ram Darbar' on the first floor, crafted from white marble in Jaipur, are nearing completion. Even amidst the bustling construction, pilgrims remain undeterred, forming long queues for darshan. Priya Kumari, a pilgrim from Vaishali, Bihar, exemplifies the unwavering devotion, expressing her willingness to wait however long it takes to have a darshan at the Hanuman Garhi Temple after attending the Kumbh Mela. The recently inaugurated Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, opened in December 2023, is also undergoing development. While the initial phase, including the construction of a 2,200-meter runway, is complete, plans for expansion to 3,750 meters are underway, surpassing the length of Lucknow airport's runway and paving the way for potential international flights in the future.
Currently, the airport sees approximately 4,000 passengers daily with 10-12 flights operating at nearly 90% occupancy. However, the number of flights has decreased slightly due to reduced services from Spicejet. Authorities are actively working to increase the length of tourist stays in Ayodhya to bolster the local economy. Over 60 new hotels have been granted permits, although some are yet to commence construction. Notable projects include the Taj Group's hotel currently under construction. The focus is shifting towards creating more reasonably priced accommodation options, with plans for a temporary tent city capable of accommodating up to 10,000 people during peak seasons like Mauni Amavasya. Hotel owner Saurabh Kapoor highlights the competitive yet healthy growth in the hospitality sector, with high occupancy rates during long weekends and special occasions, anticipating full bookings for Republic Day and a substantial surge for Mauni Amavasya.
Pending infrastructural projects include the 'Panch kosi' and 'Pandrah kosi Parikrama Marg,' currently around 60% complete, and the '84 kosi Parikrama Marg' spanning six districts, which is also facing delays. Completed projects include a 40 MW NTPC solar plant and six railway overbridges. The influx of pilgrims, the ongoing construction of the Ram Temple and associated infrastructure, and the development of the airport all contribute to Ayodhya's dynamic and rapidly changing landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges as the city strives to balance its religious significance with its growing economic potential. The article paints a picture of a city deeply intertwined with its religious history, yet undergoing a significant transformation to accommodate the massive influx of devotees, showcasing the interplay between faith, infrastructure development, and tourism in modern India.
Source: Ayodhya a year later: A city, its officials trying to keep pace with pilgrim numbers