As the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir concludes, Ayodhya is witnessing a significant economic boost. The ceremony alone has generated business exceeding $1.2 billion nationwide, and with the temple opening to devotees on January 23, Ayodhya anticipates a substantial increase in religious tourism. Discover five pivotal points outlining how the Ram Mandir influences Ayodhya’s economy.
1. Ayodhya’s Infrastructure:
Ayodhya is undergoing extensive infrastructure development, including the beautification of roads and the construction of public facilities such as mutts, ashrams, dharmashalas, and commercial hotels. This substantial construction is expected to stimulate Ayodhya’s economy by creating local employment opportunities and driving consumption. Government projects totaling $1.02 billion have been allocated specifically for the holy city.
2. Hotels and Homes:
To accommodate the influx of daily devotees, Ayodhya’s hospitality sector is undergoing a major upgrade. Over 50 large hotel projects, featuring prominent names such as Taj, Oberoi, Trident, Marriott, Radisson, and Ginger, are currently underway. Additionally, the city is set to host the world’s first seven-star vegetarian-only hotel, a project led by Mumbai-based real estate firm The House Of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL).
3. Airlines and Railways:
With the opening of the Ayodhya international airport, several Indian carriers are introducing direct flights to the city. Indian Railways has also launched 200 “Aastha Special Trains” to Ayodhya after January 22, bringing in thousands of devotees daily and contributing to the growth of the city’s economy and hospitality sector.
4. Spiritual Tourism:
Ayodhya is poised to attract millions of visitors annually from around the world, ranging from 10 million to 50 million people. This influx is expected to further develop Ayodhya’s tourism sector, offering world-class facilities to visitors.
5. Local Business:
The travel and tourism sector has already generated over $240 million in revenue in Ayodhya. With the anticipated increase in tourism and a boost to the hospitality sector, this number is expected to rise annually. Not only Ayodhya, but neighboring cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur are also anticipated to witness a surge in local business.
