Transforming Ayodhya, the land of Lord Ram: Yogi govt lays out comprehensive roadmap… here are details

New Delhi: As the date draws closer for ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ of Ram Temple, the UP government has pulled out all stops to make it a grand affair while ensuring that preventive measures for Covid-19 are put in place. Yogi Adityanath himself visited the Ram Janmabhoomi site and took stock of preparations for the much-awaited auspicious event.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying foundation stone, the momentous task of building one of the world’s biggest and magnificent Hindu temple will kick off in the holy city of Ayodhya.

Yogi Adityanath government has prepared a comprehensive roadmap for massive makeover of the Ayodhya and a visit to the holy town truly special. A three-phase plan has been rolled out with focus on each minute detail, so as to make the pilgrimage easy, pleasant and mesmerizing.

Under the ‘Reinvent Ayodhya’ plan, existing infrastructure will be scaled up immensely, highways will be built for reaching holy town while large scale beautification program will be undertaken to make the city clean and green.

Massive facelift of Ayodhya bypass in the works

Ayodhya Bypass is set to receive a massive makeover that will include the construction of small fountains, Lord Hanuman idols, and small flower gardens.

NHAI has approved Rs 55 crore budget for the beautification and civil construction work on the highway to give visitors, pilgrims a mesmerising sight viewing while visiting Ayodhya.

The bypass provides the much-needed connectivity to Prayagraj, Varanasi and other places in the country and will boost religious tourism in the region.

Widening of roads in and around Ayodhya

To make travelling in and around the holy town of Ayodhya, the roads and streets will be widened to improve commutation. Provisions have been made for multi-level parking at a couple of spots while high-tech bus stands are also under consideration.

Beautification inside the city will also be an important part of the project. Roads and streets will have enough plantation cover to make one feel comfortable and relaxed.

Another feature that will make it stand out is the laying out underground cables for electricity. If all goes as per plan, the holy town will resemble world-class city.

A brief account of projects in holy town

Rs 500 crore for installation of tallest statue of Lord Ram

The UP government is acquiring 61 hectares of land in Ayodhya’s Mirpur village for Rs 447.6 crore where the Lord Ram statue, a digital museum, an interpretation centre, a library, a food plaza, parking, landscaping and other associated tourist facilities will come up.

With 251-metre height, this will be the world’s tallest statue of Lord Ram.

Rs 600 crore airport project for direct landing in Ayodhya

CM Yogi had promised to build an international airport in the Land of Lord Ram to make it easily accessible for devotees around the world. The state govt has already released Rs 200 crore for the project.

4-lane Ring Road at cost of Rs 1,289 crore

A Ring Road of about 48 kilometre has been proposed outside the city (apparently on lines of Delhi) to avoid congestion inside the holy town. Railway connectivity to the city is also being augmented by turning it into 9 platform station.

Rs 600 crore for illuminating the city

A whopping budget of Rs 600 crore has been earmarked for lighting up the city. Under this project, Ram Ki Pauri, modern bus stand, Ram Katha park area also planned.

On Aug 5, PM Modi to launch projects worth Rs 487 crore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is expected to visit Ayodhya on August 5 to lay the foundation of Lord Ram temple, will also launch development, tourism and infrastructure projects totalling Rs 487 crore during his brief visit to the temple town, reports said.

While projects worth more than Rs 161 crore would be inaugurated by the PM, others worth nearly Rs 326 crore would witness their foundation-laying in Ayodhya. The projects lined up for foundation laying pertain to the urban development, culture, tourism and public works department (PWD) departments. It includes widening of the highway connecting Bahraich, Ayodhya and Azamgarh with the project cost pegged at about Rs 252 crore, reported a leading daily.