Ayodhya emerges as a development role model under CM Yogi's leadership

Highlights-

• Ayodhya has turned into a hub of religious activities and tourism in the past seven and a half years of Yogi govt
• With development projects worth ₹32,000 crore, Ayodhya has undergone a significant transformation, blending spirituality with modernity in a unique way
• Key initiatives like the new Ayodhya Dham railway station, an international airport, and efforts such as laying underground electricity cables have completely changed the landscape and future of Ayodhya

Ayodhya News INA. 

Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Ayodhya has experienced remarkable development, positioning it on the global stage as a development model. 

Just before the seating of Ram Lalla in the grand temple, the Yogi government unlocked massive funding for development projects. With ₹32,000 crore worth of initiatives now taking shape, Ayodhya has become a model of modern development for both the nation and the world.

Today, every devotee who visits Ayodhya praises the Yogi government’s efforts alongside expressing their reverence for Lord Ram. 

Whether it’s a politician, actor, businessperson, or spiritual leader, the consensus is clear: the transformation of Ayodhya into a beautiful and modern city has been made possible by the leadership of the Modi and Yogi governments.

After taking office in 2017, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath prioritized the beautification of Ayodhya. Even before the 2019 Ram temple verdict, Yogi had already initiated a comprehensive development plan for the city. 

Significant progress has been made across key sectors, including roads, electricity, water supply, education, and employment.  As a result, Ayodhya's roads now rival those of major metropolitan cities, and the restoration of its temples is ongoing. The evolving city is becoming a magnet for devotees and tourists from across the globe, drawn by its blend of tradition and modernity.

Ayodhya's Rampath developed to resemble Delhi's Rajpath

One of the key achievements of the Yogi government has been the expansion of roads in Ayodhya. The road widening project spans 13 km from Sahadatganj to Naya Ghat, with an investment of approximately ₹844 crore, and has been named Rampath, drawing inspiration from Delhi's Rajpath.

Additionally, three other roads have been constructed: 'Dharmapath,' which connects Saket Petrol Pump to Lata Chowk; 'Janmabhoomi Path,' leading to the Ram Mandir; and the road from Shringar Haat to Hanumangarhi, designated as 'Bhakti Path.' The development of these roads represents a significant financial investment, and there are currently eight new overbridges under construction in Ayodhya.

Before 2017: Encroachments had reduced the roads of Ayodhya to narrow lanes, dotted with large potholes that often caused accidents. Pilgrims faced difficulties navigating through the congested paths to reach the Dham.

After 2017: The road widening initiative effectively removed extensive encroachments, transforming the narrow lanes into single-lane roads and expanding the main roads to double and four lanes.

Lata Chowk, built at ₹7.9 crores, draws crowds

With the efforts of the Yogi government, the Swar Kokila Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Chowk has been constructed in Ramnagari at a cost of ₹7.9 crores. The 10.8-meter-long and 12-meter-high Veena at the Naya Ghat intersection is drawing significant attention. Visitors to the intersection near Ram ki Paidi are often compelled to take photographs. Following its inauguration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath themselves took selfies at the site.

Before 2017: The Nayaghat intersection faced frequent traffic congestion, with jams lasting hours. During crowded times, pilgrims had to walk from this point to Hanumangarhi.

After 2017: Lata Chowk has become one of Ayodhya’s major tourist attractions. The availability of e-buses, e-carts, and e-vehicles ensures smooth, eco-friendly travel to various parts of Ayodhya Dham, with zero carbon emissions.

Local residents impressed by the e-bus service

Even before Ramlala was seated in the grand temple, the state government introduced new roads and e-buses in Ayodhya. Currently, around 20 buses operate between Ram Mandir, Naya Ghat, and Katra via Sahadatganj. This initiative has not only boosted the revenue of the roadways but has also brought joy to local residents. A growing number of devotees are now reaching Ram Mandir at a lower cost.

Before 2017: E-buses were unheard of, and even regular buses were a rarity within Ayodhya Dham. The most accessible transport options were ‘Vikrams’ and autos, and travelers often had to disembark at Ayodhya bypass or Faizabad bus stand to reach the Dham.

After 2017: A new bus terminal has been built in Ayodhya Dham. Twenty-five long-range e-buses now operate from Ayodhya Dham to various districts, including Gorakhpur, Lucknow, and Prayagraj. Air-conditioned e-buses have become a preferred mode of travel for both pilgrims and locals in the pilgrimage area.

Samda Lake, Guptar Ghat, and Suryakund renovated for tourism development

Significant efforts are underway to boost tourism in Ayodhya, with major developments at Guptar Ghat, where Lord Ram once resided. Previously considered unsafe after dark, Guptar Ghat now attracts visitors well into the night, thanks to paved ghats, landscaped parks, and decorative lighting. 

Similarly, improvements have been made at Suryakund, the temple of Lord Surya in Darshan Nagar, which now hosts nighttime fountain shows, making it the second-largest tourist attraction after the Ram Temple. Efforts are also ongoing to transform Samda Lake in Sohawal into a tourist spot.

Before 2017: The temples at Guptar Ghat had fallen into disrepair, with more cattle than devotees frequenting the site. The condition of Suryakund and other nearby kunds was similarly poor.

After 2017: Guptar Ghat and Suryakund have emerged as major tourist destinations, following Hanumangarhi and the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. Water adventure sports and a water metro service now operate at Guptar Ghat, while Suryakund’s makeover draws tourists from around the world. Additionally, all 108 ancient kunds associated with Lord Ram are being renovated.

Expansion of health facilities

There has been a significant expansion in health facilities under the current state government. A 200-bed medical facility was recently inaugurated at Rajarshi Dashrath Medical College in Darshan Nagar, at a cost of ₹195 crore, with the addition of advanced diagnostic services.

Before 2017: Critically ill patients and accident victims from Ayodhya Dham had to be transferred first to Faizabad, and then to Lucknow for treatment.

After 2017: In addition to the district and women's hospitals, 24-hour medical services are now available at the renovated medical college. Plans are also underway to open a multispecialty hospital in the near future.

Multi-level parking eases traffic flow

Ahead of the Ram Temple’s completion, arrangements have been made to accommodate the vehicles of tourists visiting Ayodhya. Modern multi-level parking facilities have been built in Amaniganj and Tedhi Bazaar. These structures provide parking on the lower levels, while shops and restaurants occupy the upper floors.

Before 2017: Due to the lack of proper parking facilities, pilgrims often had to walk long distances, with few alternatives aside from illegal parking.

After 2017: An Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) was implemented at a cost of ₹7 crore to streamline traffic flow. Signal lights and modern cameras have been installed at 21 key intersections in the city. Additionally, the construction of other parking spaces is being expedited to meet future demands.

Focus on public transport infrastructure

Under the leadership of the Modi and Yogi governments, significant advancements have been made in Ayodhya's public transport infrastructure. The Ayodhya Dham railway station was constructed at a considerable cost, with new train services, including Vande Bharat, connecting the city to major metropolitan areas. The inauguration of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport on December 30 transformed Ayodhya’s connectivity, with multiple airlines now operating flights, making air travel a priority for visitors from distant locations.

Before 2017: Only a limited number of trains stopped at Ayodhya station, with most passing through Faizabad. The idea of an international airport was unimaginable.

After 2017: Ayodhya is now connected to major cities across the country by rail, with the state-of-the-art Ayodhya Dham station. The newly established Maharishi Valmiki International Airport is also facilitating air travel, connecting Ayodhya with the rest of the country and the world.

Improvements in power and water supply; treatment plant under construction

All electricity lines along the main routes of Ayodhya Dham and Faizabad have been moved underground, significantly reducing the visibility of hanging wires. The drinking water facility has also seen enhancements through the Phase-3 drinking water scheme. Additionally, the Municipal Corporation is installing high-capacity sewage treatment plants to purify wastewater, which will treat water from 15 drains to make it suitable for consumption.

Before 2017: Ayodhya faced persistent issues with inadequate electricity and water supply, contributing to poor sanitary conditions. The accumulation of waste in drains and litter on the streets led to outbreaks of infectious and mosquito-borne diseases.

After 2017: Ayodhya Dham has emerged as one of the cleanest and most organized cities in the state. A comprehensive waste disposal system has been implemented, ensuring a 24-hour electricity supply. The Yogi government has also ensured that every household has access to clean tap water, resulting in a notable decrease in the incidence of mosquito-borne and infectious diseases.

Electricity generation from solar power plant

Electricity is now being generated from the solar power plant established in Sarairasi village, Rampur Harwara, in Ayodhya. NTPC has initiated work on this solar facility, which spans 165 acres near Ayodhya Dham, currently producing 14 megawatts of electricity. This project, overseen by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), is expected to ultimately generate 40 megawatts, equating to approximately 300,000 units of electricity that can be fed into the central grid daily. All major roads in the city are now illuminated with solar-powered Victorian-themed lamps and LED lights. Ayodhya is being developed as a solar city, with numerous projects, including the PM Suryaghar Yojana, being implemented.

Before 2017: Ayodhya Dham lacked solar energy infrastructure, and the idea of it becoming the state’s largest solar hub seemed far-fetched.

After 2017: An action plan to promote solar energy in Ayodhya was launched, and significant progress has been made in developing the city as a solar hub. Today, Ayodhya is gaining recognition as a solar city, not only in Uttar Pradesh but also across India and the world.