A delegation of Jammu based journalists which is on a 5-day exposure tour organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Jammu reached Ayodhya on Tuesday. The tour is being organised to provide the media persons an opportunity to witness the ongoing developmental activities and for on the spot assessment of various public welfare schemes of the Government of India.
During the daylong visit, the team consisting of 10 journalists and two PIB officials visited the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and explored the revamped pilgrimage town of Ayodhya. The delegation was apprised about the remarkable economic transformations that have been triggered by construction of the Shri Ram Janambhoomi Temple, which has evolved beyond its religious significance and become a powerful driver of growth—fueling tourism, infrastructure development, employment and investment. The delegation was informed that the annual tourist footfall jumped to over 11 crore in six months after the temple’s opening from a modest 1.7 lakh. The city as per estimates is now projected to attract 5–6 crore visitors annually, placing it among the top global pilgrimage destinations.
The media team explored the local markets to witness the changed landscape wherein thousands of new businesses—from eateries to souvenir shops—have emerged. Homestays, once non-existent, now dot the city landscape. The service economy has expanded dramatically as evidenced by the exponential increase in the number of restaurants. The traditional sectors—like sweets, handicrafts, and religious merchandiseare also witnessing a revival, fueled by a rising demand.
The delegation was informed that the numerous development projects are reshaping the city in a bid to meet the surge in visitor numbers which include a modern international airport and redeveloped Ayodhya Dham railway station. The press team got to experience the sustainable and inclusive development underway in the city wherein commercialization is being balanced with the preservation of cultural heritage and environment. To ease out the traffic, hundreds of battery driven carts run by the Ayodhya Development Authority named ‘Aastha Raths’ transport pilgrims at nominal charges. These are further augmented by e-rickshaws owned by the local youth.
The delegation was also briefed about other initiatives being implemented elsewhere in the county to promote pilgrimage tourism and cultural heritage. Pertinently the members were provided insights into the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) Scheme launched by the Ministry of Tourism which has an objective of rejuvenating pilgrimage and spiritual tourism across the nation, as well as its Swadesh Darshan scheme (SDS) launched to augment tourism facilities in the country thereby promoting culture and heritage of the country.