As Ayodhya gears up for Diwali, also known as Deepotsav, the city is undergoing a substantial beautification process. A key part of this effort is the installation of solar-powered smart lights at prominent locations, managed by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) with a budget of Rs 300 crore. Upon completion, these solar lights will illuminate the Ayodhya Bypass and the road leading to the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has long envisioned turning Ayodhya into a “solar city.” Various solar energy projects, including rooftop solar installations, are already in progress, and many parks and roads in Ayodhya are now lit by solar lights. UPNEDA is expediting the installation of these smart solar lights, with 60 planned for the area around the airport to attract tourists and pilgrims.
In addition, UPNEDA is installing 58 smart solar lights along both sides of the Ayodhya Bypass and in other strategic spots. Sixteen lights are being placed near the Divisional Commissioner’s residence, ten in a park near Dharmapath, and six at Mukti Dham. UPNEDA Project Officer Praveen Kumar Pandey confirmed that the project is moving swiftly, aiming for completion by Diwali to ensure that key sites are brightly illuminated for the festivities.
Simultaneously, the construction of the 161-foot-high spire atop the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is progressing rapidly. The first layer of the spire has been completed, and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust ha+s shared images of the progress on social media.
The temple structure’s height from its foundation up to the third floor is 76 feet. The spire will rise above this structure and add considerable grandeur to the temple.
The spire will reach 85 feet in height and consist of 29 layers, each around three feet high. Approximately 300 skilled artisans are working on the project, completing each layer in about a week. After the spire is finished, a 44-foot Dharma Dhwaj (religious flagpole) will be installed atop it, with a six-foot religious flag.
This will bring the total height of the temple, including the spire, to roughly 211 feet. The spire’s construction is expected to be completed by February 2025.
