Ayodhya Ram Mandir: As Ayodhya readies itself for the January 22 mega Ram Temple opening, Republic has accessed the city’s grand masterplan to become an international tourist hub. In a bid to make Ayodhya one of the most attractive tourist hotspots in the world, a carefully calibrated masterplan has been submitted to the Yogi Adityanath government.

Ayodhya International City: The Master Plan

In this master plan submitted to the UP government, details have been submitted for establishing 5 and 7 star hotels. Residential townships will also be set up near the temple — within 5 to 10 km radius of the Ram Mandir. In fact, there will be riverfronts which will be developed along the Saryu Ghat where the famous aarti takes place every evening. The entire city will be developed in a bid to push religious tourism while keeping in mind the concept of sustainable and green living. The master plan will cover over 65 villages, spanning across 133.67 sq km area. It will also cover and benefit over two lakh citizens.

Ancient Vedic Vastu Philosophy

In fact, the entire town planning will also be done based on the ancient Vedic Vastu philosophy of Karmuka Vastu Shastra Vedic concept. In 2019, there were several plans which had been submitted – out of which, the dhanush pattern, symbolizing Lord Ram, had been approved by the UP government in 2022. 

Green Energy Initiatives

The master plan 2031 also takes into account all big and small issues that a city might face and tackles the futuristic problems from urban residential living township to safeguarding heritage infrastructures – keeping in mind, the green energy initiatives of the government as well. The part A of the masterplan is already in the implementation stage and the part B will soon be implemented post the inauguration of the temple which would then cover an area of 739.70 sq km. 

Heritage Infrastructures To Be Safeguarded

Along the lines of Saryu river, a river front will be developed keeping in mind the aarti and the recreational spots that will be developed around the area. The heritage infrastructures that will be also safeguarded and rehabilitated are The Fort of Calcutta, three tombstones of Shuja-ud-daulah, Mausoleum of Bahu Begam, Vishnu Temple. Apart from this in the main Ram Janmabhoomi area, the other forts will also be rehabilitated, promoted for their heritage value. These will also include Dashrath Mahal, Kanak Bhavan, Naya Ghat, Gulaab Badi, etc among others.

Role of Premium Hospitality Colleges

Keeping in mind the tourist footfall expected in the next few years, there will also be a big hospitality push towards five and seven star hotels a little away from the temple premises but in the 10 km radius itself since there will be more space required for the same. Apart from this, sources have confirmed to the Republic of how some premier hospitality colleges might also come up in the area. 

“We will see a huge boost of the foreign and domestic tourism in the state. We can expect an IIHM also in the premises so that the local population can also go to them and then have employment opportunities in the city itself. This will all be a part of the second phase of development,” said a senior town planner in the team for ideating and implementing the Ayodhya Masterplan 2023.