A "New Ayodhya" to be developed along with Ram temple

Ayodhya: Even as the construction of Ram Temple here is underway, the Uttar Pradesh government announced on Sunday that it is proposing a "New Ayodhya" in around 900 kilometers area while providing international standard facilities for tourists and pilgrims.

The "New Ayodhya" is coming up in 873.37 sq km in which the Shri Ram temple area in the city would be around 31.5 sq km.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made a presentation 'Ayodhya vision 2051' in which the New Ayodya concept will be implemented.

The presentation was given before Prime minister Narendra Modi on Saturday though video conferencing.

UP Government said that the Ayodhya master plan has been prepared for 133 sq km area which will include 4.86 km of Greenfield township with modern amenities.

In the New Ayodhya there would be mega spiritual centres where Vedic and traditional culture would be awarded to the visitors.

Ayodhya is will get an international airport, modern bus stand along with a highest Lord Ram statue on the banks of Saryu.

Director general tourism Mukesh Meshram said here on Sunday that several projects are in the pipeline to convert Ayodhya as the most desired tourist and pilgrim destination in the world.

"We have proposed a big museum in Ayodhya, whose work will start soon," he said.

"The museum would have the life history of Lord Ram which would be in display and the visitors with the help of artificial intelligence, will get to know every detail of Lord Ram from his birth till his death," he added.

Meanwhile, the construction work of the Ram temple is underway but due to monsoon work is progressing slowly.

The foundation work is underway and the main construction work will start sometime later, a senior VHP leader here said.

The Ram Temple will have 1,200 pillars which will go 200 feet deep. The temple will be 161 feet tall. 

The Ram temple is expected to be completed and open by early 2024, before the Lok Sabha polls.

The total cost of the Ram Temple premises would be around Rs 1,100 crores which includes Rs 300 crore for the temple.

The Ramjanambhoomi Tirath Khetra Trust, entrusted with constructing the Ram temple, has already collected more than Rs 2,100 crore as cash donation from the public for the Ram temple.

On August 5 last, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. (UNI)