With the aim to register Ayodhya’s widespread presence on the global stage, the Yogi Adityanath government is working on an action plan to develop a Tourism Facilitation Centre in Ayodhya.

It is estimated to be built in an area spanning 4.40 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 130 crore.

In alignment with Chief Minister Yogi’s vision, Uttar Pradesh Tourism department is going to develop this tourism centre at a predetermined place in Ayodhya, ensuring connectivity with National Highway 330 and National Highway 27.

Under the project, various commercial centres, including a tourism office, passenger accommodation, art and craft centre, food court, shopping mart, and parking space will be developed in the tourist centre.

It is believed that within the next one and a half months, the project will come on the ground and the process of materialising the works will begin.

The state government is focused on completing this project at a fast pace and it will be completed by the Tourism department through public-private partnership (PPP) on the design build finance operate transfer (DBFOT) model. In this detailed action plan, those sites that are currently located in Ayodhya have also been mentioned, and the situation regarding their removal and retention during the project has also been clarified.

It is noteworthy that in this regard, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism department has already invited applications for bidding through the e-tender portal. Out of these, four applicant companies have also been selected. In the further process, these companies will be given the opportunity for financial bidding, and the selected company will then be provided a letter of intent (LOI) and concession agreement by the Uttar Pradesh government.

These works will be completed under the Master Plan 2031 for the integrated development of Ayodhya. It is noteworthy that various facilities will be developed in this Tourism Facilitation Centre. They will include passenger accommodation (comprising dormitories, banquets and MICE facilities). There will also be a central tourist hub, a tourism office, and a commercial area that will include an art and craft gallery, a shopping precinct, a food court, cafeterias, and restaurants. Additionally, an amphitheater, landscaped public spaces with amenities, adequate parking space, and services (water, power, and DG backup) will be provided.

The project will also encompass infrastructure developments like street lighting, drainage systems and security and surveillance facilities like firefighting, CCTV, and HVAC.

It is noteworthy that in line with the predetermined plot layout, internal road layout, utilities, and promotion of green areas determined under Ayodhya Master Plan 2031, the developers will have to get the business plan passed from the Tourism department. The construction work for the project will adhere to these guidelines and directives.

Ayodhya Tourism Facilitation Centre will have a total built-up area of 3,273 square metres. This includes shelter homes, craft villages, toilets, and HAT structures. The road coming from Chowk Ayodhya Road will act as the main route to this site.

As part of the project, some existing infrastructure may need to be removed or restructured. Two structures, night shelters and Shilpgram, can potentially be removed for area expansion under the project. However, the final decision regarding their removal has not been made yet, and it will be specified in the letter of intent if and when the decision is taken.

Additionally, the marked area of Ramkatha Park, which will include a stage with an amphitheater, and Quin Ho Memorial Park will be retained as part of the project. Additionally, there is the possibility of work being carried out on the canal extension between the Tourism Facilitation Centre and the Cultural Museum.