In a clear push towards harnessing spiritual tourism, the Uttar Pradesh government has proposed a robust Rs 150 crore allocation for tourism infrastructure in Ayodhya, alongside Rs 500 crore under the Chief Minister Tourism Places Development Scheme. Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna tabled the 2026-27 state Budget in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, emphasizing enhancements to pilgrimage circuits and visitor facilities at key religious sites.
Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, has emerged as a global pilgrimage hub following the inauguration of the grand Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in January 2024. The temple's completion has not only fulfilled a long-standing cultural aspiration but also catalyzed economic growth through tourism. The Budget builds on this momentum, with the Uttar Pradesh Shri Ayodhya Teerth Puri Vikas Parishad receiving Rs 150 crore specifically for regional tourism infrastructure. This funding will support critical projects like the nearing completion of the main approach road, 'Ram Path', which promises smoother access to the temple premises.
Key Infrastructure Projects in Ayodhya
The 'Ram Path' project exemplifies the government's commitment to seamless pilgrim experiences. Spanning several kilometers, this wide, aesthetically designed corridor connects key points around the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, featuring grand facades inspired by temple architecture, improved lighting, and pedestrian-friendly pathways. Officials note that construction is in its final stages, with completion expected soon, easing congestion during peak festival seasons like Ram Navami.
Complementing this is the ongoing upgrade of the road linking the proposed Vedic Wellness City at Jamthara to the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. The wellness city envisions a holistic retreat blending ancient Vedic practices with modern amenities—think yoga centers, ayurvedic spas, and meditation hubs—aimed at attracting wellness tourists alongside devotees. These developments are part of a broader 'Ayodhya Master Plan' that integrates urban planning with spiritual heritage preservation, including ghats along the Saryu River and eco-friendly parking zones.
The Budget's tourism focus extends beyond Ayodhya. Under the Chief Minister Tourism Places Development Scheme, Rs 500 crore will fund upgrades across multiple sites, reinforcing Uttar Pradesh's position as India's spiritual heartland. In Mirzapur's Trikoniya area—home to the revered Maa Vindhyavasini, Maa Ashtabhuja, and Maa Kali Khoh temples—Rs 200 crore has been earmarked for developing 'parikrama' paths and public amenities. These circumambulation routes, vital to Hindu rituals, will feature paved walkways, rest areas, sanitation facilities, and digital information kiosks, making the pilgrimage safer and more accessible.
Tourism Surge: Record-Breaking Footfall
The investments are timely, given Uttar Pradesh's tourism explosion. An official statement highlights that from January to June 2025 alone, the state welcomed nearly 122 crore tourists—over 121 crore domestic and more than 33 lakh international visitors. This surge, up significantly from pre-2024 figures, underscores the Ram Temple's magnetic pull and the success of circuits like the 'Ramayana Trail' linking Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and other sites from the epic.
Spiritual tourism now contributes substantially to the state's economy, generating jobs in hospitality, transport, and handicrafts. Local vendors in Ayodhya report booming sales of Ram-themed souvenirs, while homestays and dharamshalas struggle to meet demand. The Budget aims to sustain this by improving last-mile connectivity, such as electric shuttle services and multilingual signage, targeting both Indian devotees and overseas diaspora.
Yogi Adityanath: Laying Foundations for Viksit Bharat-2047
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the Budget as a "strong foundation for Viksit Bharat-2047 and a bright future for a new Uttar Pradesh." In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), he credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance for propelling the state towards self-reliance and prosperity. "This Budget provides new direction, energy, a clear policy vision, and a concrete action plan to build an Atmanirbhar-Viksit Uttar Pradesh," Adityanath stated, targeting a $1 trillion economy.
Centered on the welfare of the poor, youth empowerment, farmer prosperity, and women's dignity, the Budget reflects the aspirations of Uttar Pradesh's 25 crore residents. Adityanath emphasized good governance and inclusive development, with tourism as a key pillar. Beyond spirituality, allocations support adventure tourism in Bundelkhand and heritage walks in Lucknow's nawabi-era sites, diversifying offerings.
Broader Implications for Uttar Pradesh's Economy
These initiatives align with national goals under the PRASHAD scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive), which has already funneled central funds into sites like Kashi Vishwanath and Mahakaleshwar corridors. In Ayodhya, the ripple effects are evident: property values have soared, new hotels are sprouting, and employment in construction and services has spiked. Experts predict that with these Budget measures, Ayodhya could rival Varanasi's annual footfall of over 10 crore visitors.
Challenges remain, including sustainable crowd management and environmental preservation amid the Saryu River's banks. The government plans smart technologies like AI-driven crowd monitoring and waste management systems to address these. For foreign tourists, visa-on-arrival facilitations and e-passport gates at Lucknow and Ayodhya airports will ease entry.
As Uttar Pradesh positions itself as a tourism powerhouse, the 2026-27 Budget signals ambition: transforming faith into fortune while honoring cultural roots. With Ram Path's completion on the horizon and wellness hubs rising, Ayodhya is set to welcome millions more, blending devotion with development.
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