The Ram Mandir Dream At The Cusp Of Reality; From Tourism Hub To Booming Economy

The Ram Mandir needs no introduction and holds a very significant place in the majority hearts of India. A dream that has been blooming among many for decades is finally at the cusp of its reality this month. The whole world indeed, but most importantly India is waiting for a historic moment of the inauguration of the temple of Maryada Purushottam Prabhu Shri Ram in Ayodhya on January 22nd. This Ayodhya campaign not only aims to become a tourist hub but also drives the country's fifth-largest economy, Uttar Pradesh.

While the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is a few weeks away, the government is already working extensively to boost its attraction among citizens, tourists, and even businesses across the country. It's an event that will bring about a massive surge in sales for many companies, especially consumer durables, FMCGs, railways, aviation, hotels, and real estate.

As of the latest development, the Ayodhya Development Authority is eyeing about 7,000 guests during the inauguration day of Ram Mandir. Some of the reports have also stated that invitations will be sent to prominent figures of India such as legendary cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, and Bollywood biggies like Amitabh Bachchan, Kangana Ranaut, and Akshay Kumar. Among the top businessmen, all three titans Ratan Tata, Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani are expected on the ceremony day.

Apart from this, the authorities are expecting between 3 lakh to 5 lakh visitors every day for at least a month after the launch. This is expected to drive sectors like hospitality, hotels, and accommodation. Not just that the authority has revealed that they have allotted 500 homes with 2,500 rooms for homestays which means that tourists will get to stay in the same house as owners. These homestays are registered on UP Tourism's Holy Ayodhya app.

Also, ahead of the inauguration, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) through its X handle stated that CAT will run the Ayodhya campaign in every city, door to door from January 1. CAIT is planning to organize trade fairs across the country from 1st January to 22nd January 22nd.

Additionally, CAIT stated that "a meeting of all the business organizations in your city should be called as soon as possible, which should be named *Ram Samvad Program*. If possible, local social, cultural and other organizations should also be invited to this meeting and the campaigns run by CAT should be discussed. After discussion, all the programs till 22nd January should be decided and plans should be made to make them successful."

On January 1, a distribution program was started to go from shop to shop in the markets and put up flags, placards, stickers and posters of Ram Ji in the shops. This program will continue continuously. This will be followed on January 5th when 'Ram Pheri' will be held in various markets of the city. Further, between January 10 to 15th, Bhajan programs of Lord Shri Ram will be organized by organizing 'Ram Chowki' in most of the markets of the city, houses of traders, residential colonies and temples. Moreover, efforts should be made to make arrangements for attractive lighting in all the markets of the country on 22 January.

On the day of the inauguration, CAIT said that "arrangements should be made to show live telecast of the Ayodhya event to the people through big LEDs by placing models and pictures of Shri Ram Temple at many places in all the cities across the country and expect to make special arrangements for worship on that day."

CAIT has estimated business aggregating to Rs 50,000 crore to be generated following the Ram temple inauguration. As per the traders federation, demand has spiked for special cloth garlands, lockets, key chains, pictures of Ram Darbar, models of Ram temples, Ram Dhwaja, and Ram Angvastra. Also, demand has surged for accessories, including decorative pendants and bangles, kurtas, t-shirts, and other clothing in the local market.

So the days leading up to the inauguration are already likely to boost businesses and local markets of Ayodhya.

Further, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the new Maharishi Valmiki International Airport. The Airports Authority of India stated that this new airport is a creation of art which will play an important role in promoting the tourism industry of the state.

Moreover, PM Modi inaugurated the redeveloped 'Ayodhya Dham Junction', and flagged off 2 new Amrit Bharat and 6 new Vande Bharat trains to connect various places of the country with the best facilities of the Railways ahead of the Ram Mandir inauguration.

Meanwhile, Ayodhya, which was referred to as a 'sleepy town' is seeing a huge awakening from rail stations, road widening, flyover construction, and real estate prices. The Ayodhya temple has given a huge facelift to the infrastructure of the city.

Ayodhya's realty market is rising with the prices of property process skyrocketing to four-folds and racing to catch up to the big cities of UP.

On December 30th, when PM Modi addressed the inauguration, dedication and laying the foundation stone of multiple development projects in Ayodhya. He said, "The inauguration and dedication of development projects worth more than 15,000 crores of rupees have taken place here. These infrastructure projects will establish modern Ayodhya with pride on the national map again. Amidst global pandemics like Corona, these efforts are the result of the tireless dedication of the people of Ayodhya."

Modi added, "In the coming times, Ayodhya will not only be the focal point of development for the Awadh region but also contribute to the progress of the entire state of Uttar Pradesh."

Furthermore, Modi highlighted that the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Dham will link Indians to the divine and majestic Ram Temple. The newly built airport can serve 10 lakh travellers annually. Upon completion of the second phase, the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport will accommodate 60 lakh passengers every year. Currently, the Ayodhya Dham Railway Station serves 10-15 thousand people daily. After the complete development of the station, the Ayodhya Dham Railway Station will be able to cater to 60,000 people every day. He also said that the trinity of Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains is set to revolutionize Indian Railways. It is a matter of great joy that the first Amrit Bharat Express is passing through Ayodhya. The Delhi-Darbhanga Amrit Bharat Express will modernize the travel experience for people from Delhi, UP, and Bihar. This will make the journey to the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, where Ram Lalla will be enshrined, more convenient for the people of Bihar.

Apart from the inauguration of the airport and railway station, Modi also pointed out that various paths and routes have also been inaugurated in Ayodhya. The Ram Path, Bhakti Path, Dharma Path, and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Path will ensure smooth travel. The parking spaces in Ayodhya were also inaugurated today. With the new medical college, health facilities in the area will see expansion.

Efforts are being made by the double-engine government to maintain the purity of the Sarayu River, and work has begun to prevent pollution in its waters. The 'Ram Ki Padi' area has been given a new look. Development is underway for new ghats along the banks of the Sarayu. Restoration work is being carried out on all ancient wells in the area. Whether it's the Lata Mangeshkar Chowk or the Ram Katha Sthal, all are contributing to enhancing Ayodhya's identity.

The upcoming township in Ayodhya will make life easier for its residents. These development initiatives will also create new opportunities for employment and self-employment in Ayodhya, benefiting taxi drivers, rickshaw pullers, hotel owners, dhabas, prasad sellers, flower vendors, pooja items sellers, and our small shopkeepers, increasing their income.

Hence, Ram temple is the golden Midas for the city of Ayodhya which is expected to witness a significant economic shift and further boost the state's growth.

Currently, Uttar Pradesh's economy is estimated to be Rs 20.48 trillion (about $248.66 billion) by the end of FY23, making it the fifth largest in India. Earlier, CM Yogi Adityanath stated that UP will become a benchmark of the policy of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (inclusive development for all), with a trillion-dollar economy by 2027.