Ayodhya set to get Rs 85k crore makeover over 10 years

NEW DELHI: Redevelopment of Ayodhya as per Master Plan 2031 will be completed over 10 years with an investment of over Rs 85,000 crore to upgrade the holy city to meet the requirement of a daily footfall of around 3 lakh after the inauguration of the Ram Temple next month.
The plan includes a separate new township, spread over 1,200 acres, which would be developed over the next five years with an investment of nearly Rs 2,200 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of the greenfield township on Saturday.

Sources said the plan has been prepared considering that the city is anticipated to become a global tourism destination with focus on spiritualism, cultural heritage assets and events after the consecration of the Ram Temple.
The vision encapsulates identification of infrastructure and tourism development in Ayodhya Development Authority Area of 875 sq km, including the current master planned city area of 133 sq km and the core city of 31.5 sq km.
Architect and urban planner Dikshu Kukreja, whose firm has created the vision document for the entire Ayodhya, said the design vision includes all modern amenities that a world-class city in the 21st century must have and at the same time celebrate the history and culture of this ancient place.
“The focus is on creating the right balance in sustainable planning of Ayodhya where the lives of permanent residents are not disrupted by the large influx of a transient population of visitors. What will set Ayodhya apart from most cities is the focus in its planning on public spaces for the common man and not just an attempt to create magnificent edifices,” he said.

As per estimates, the city, after the full completion of the Ram Mandir and redevelopment, is likely to have a 1:10 ratio of residents and tourists, indicating its huge potential to attract pilgrims. Sources said the greenfield township will have provisions for state guest houses, hotels to cater to all types of visitors and commercial complexes to meet the requirements.
The major tourist attractions will include protection of heritage assets of the city, retrofitting and redevelopment of the core city area and temple influence zone. Special attention will be on seamless integration around the Ram Temple area spanning over 108 acres and river front development of Saryu River. The plan also includes development of three circular roads (Parikrama Marg) with adequate facilities.