As part of the Master Plan 2031, the redevelopment of Ayodhya is set to be completed over the next decade with an investment exceeding Rs 85,000 crore. The ambitious plan aims to upgrade the holy city, anticipating a daily footfall of approximately 3 lakh visitors after the inauguration of the Ram Temple next month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for a new greenfield township on Saturday, with an investment of nearly Rs 2,200 crore.
The comprehensive plan envisions Ayodhya as a global tourism destination, emphasizing spiritualism, cultural heritage, and events following the consecration of the Ram Temple. The proposal includes the development of a new township spread over 1,200 acres, expected to be completed in the next five years.
Key aspects of the redevelopment plan:
1. Greenfield Township: The new township will cover 1,200 acres, with an investment of Rs 2,200 crore. It aims to accommodate the anticipated increase in visitors and provide modern amenities.
2. Total Investment: The entire redevelopment initiative is
estimated to cost over Rs 85,000 crore, emphasizing the significance of transforming Ayodhya into a world-class city.
3. Tourism Focus: With the Ram Temple inauguration expected to elevate Ayodhya’s status as a global pilgrimage destination, the plan focuses on heritage protection, retrofitting, redevelopment, and seamless integration around the temple area.
4. Balance in Sustainable Planning: The vision includes modern amenities for a 21st-century city while celebrating Ayodhya’s rich history and culture. The plan aims to strike a balance between accommodating tourists and ensuring the well-being of permanent residents.
5. Public Spaces: Dikshu Kukreja, the architect and urban planner behind the vision document, emphasizes the creation of public spaces for residents alongside the development of impressive structures.
6. Ratio of Residents to Tourists: After the completion of the Ram Mandir and redevelopment, Ayodhya is expected to have a 1:10 ratio of residents to tourists, showcasing its potential to attract pilgrims.
7. Infrastructure Development: The plan includes the development of three circular roads (Parikrama Marg) with adequate facilities, riverfront development along the Saryu River, and provisions for state guest houses, hotels, and commercial complexes.
The unveiling of this comprehensive redevelopment plan is a significant step towards positioning Ayodhya as a cultural, spiritual, and tourism hub on a global scale.