The Economic and Religious Transformation of Ayodhya: Impact of the Ram Temple Construction:

The construction of the Ram Temple has not only reshaped Ayodhya’s religious landscape but also fueled significant economic growth. Over the past five years, religious tourism has surged tenfold, boosting employment opportunities and local businesses. This influx of tourists and devotees has led to a substantial increase in government revenue.

Financial Contributions and Government Revenue

The total expenditure for the Ram Temple construction has reached ₹2,150 crore, with 18% tax contributions to the government. According to Champat Rai, Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, multiple tax payments have contributed significantly to government earnings.

Total tax paid: ₹400 crore
GST contribution: ₹272 crore
Royalty payments: ₹39 crore
Labour Fund allocation: ₹7.4 crore
Insurance policies: ₹4 crore
Ayodhya Development Authority fees: ₹5 crore (land registration, map clearance, revenue tax)
Electricity bills: ₹10 crore
Stamp duty on purchases: ₹29 crore
Royalty payments for stone, ballast, and granite procurement: ₹14.9 crore

These financial figures highlight the economic strength and revenue generation resulting from the temple's construction.

Infrastructure Development and Investment

The Uttar Pradesh Rajkiya Nirman Nigam has secured a ₹200 crore contract for the development of the Ram Katha Museum, the trust office, and a rest house. Additionally, 944 kilograms of silver, donated by devotees, has been converted into 20-kilogram silver bricks and securely stored in bank lockers.

Religious Tourism Surge in Ayodhya

The construction of the Ram Temple has transformed Ayodhya into a thriving religious tourism hub. In the past year alone, over 16 crore devotees and tourists visited Ayodhya, with five crore devotees attending the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at Ramlala’s court.

Kamlesh Srivastava, BJP’s Ayodhya city unit president, highlighted how the temple has become a catalyst for economic resurgence. Every sector, from small businesses to hospitality, has benefited from the rise in tourism.

Local entrepreneur Bhanu Pratap Singh emphasized the positive impact:
"The blessings of Ram Ji have not only strengthened our faith but have also brought financial prosperity. People who once relied on bicycles are now purchasing motorcycles and even cars. Ayodhya is witnessing a new wave of economic growth."

Maha Kumbh 2025: A Major Economic Boost

The Maha Kumbh 2025 has further amplified this growth. On average, 4 to 4.5 lakh visitors arrive daily in Ayodhya for darshan, and around 1.5 crore devotees visited Ramlala during this period.

Key impacts of Maha Kumbh 2025 on Ayodhya:

Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, have reported a significant rise in sales.
Ramesh Gupta, owner of a sweet shop near Hanuman Garhi, stated that his business has doubled since the Ram Mandir construction began.
Ananya Sharma, a local tour operator, noted that Ayodhya has transformed from a small town into a bustling city, especially after the bhoomi pujan ceremony on August 5, 2020.

Additionally, ten trains from the Kumbh Mela have been arriving in Ayodhya daily, each carrying 4,000 passengers, bringing an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 visitors to the city every day.

Urban and Infrastructure Development

Ayodhya’s transformation is evident in its infrastructure growth. The city now boasts:

New hotels and guesthouses to accommodate the growing number of tourists.
Improved roads and transportation facilities for better connectivity.
Expansion of eateries, marketplaces, and commercial centers to support the booming economy.

An official from the Ayodhya Development Authority remarked:
“The city is not only emerging as a spiritual powerhouse but also as an economic hub, thanks to rapid infrastructure development.”