Ayodhya's Ram Mandir: Tourist Boom, Inclusive Guest List, and Concerns of Neglect

The city of Ayodhya is witnessing unprecedented development as it prepares to inaugurate the Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024. The temple, built on a 2.7-acre area, is expected to attract a staggering number of tourists, with footfall estimated to reach 8 to 10 crore after its opening. To accommodate the influx of visitors, the Ayodhya International Airport will soon be open, and Vande Bharat trains will connect Ayodhya to other major cities. Additionally, the city has seen significant investments in real estate, and a master blueprint plan has been submitted for the development of tourism spots and public amenities. The development of Ayodhya is part of the Modi government's policy to revive the lost symbols of Hindu civilization and promote the confluence of divinity and development in holy cities like Ayodhya and Varanasi.