With the laying of foundation stone for Ram temple in Ayodhya by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent charge) Prahlad Singh Patel has expressed his gratitude towards him and has termed it as a great moment for faith and spirituality.
Patel further said that the Lord Ram’s temple will be significant in boosting religious/spiritual tourism in the country. The minister further added that from time immemorial pilgrimages have been one of the most powerful motivator for travel. Religious/Spiritual tourism has proven resilient to the pressure of the global recession because it is not seen as a luxury but rather travel with a purpose and because of its nature the pilgrimage travel is elastic and strong even in any economic scenario. Therefore, Ministry of Tourism sees hope in helping millions of followers of all great world religions that are deeply rooted in India.
Patel also said that the Ministry of Tourism under its Swadesh Darshan Scheme- Integrated Development of Theme Based Tourist Circuits is developing tourism infrastructure in the circuits, across the country, having tourist potential in a planned and prioritized manner. Under this scheme, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned a project, ‘Development of Ayodhya’ under Ramayana circuit theme for an amount of INR 127.20 crore in the year 2017-18.
He added that the various components sanctioned under this project include development of Ram katha gallery and park, Ram ki paidi, development of Guptarghat and Laxman qila ghat, rejuvenation of Ayodhya street, multipurpose hall at Digambarakhada etc.
Other components included in this project are solar lighting, solid waste management, drainage components, police booth, signages at various locations, stone benches, gazebo, drinking water kiosks, cctv, bus depot and parking, tourist sheds, landscaping of public spaces and beautification of tulsi das garden etc. Almost 80% of the project is completed on ground as on date.
In addition, Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned another project, “Development of Chitrakoot and Shringverpur” under Ramayana circuit theme of Swadesh Darshan in the year 2016-17, this project has been sanctioned for an amount of INR 69.45 Crore. The projects comprising of various components like development of Sandhya Ghat, Tourist facilitation centre, development of Ram Shain, veerasan and Sita kund , solar lighting, parking signages etc. at Shringverpur. Various components sanctioned in Chitrakoot are covered shed at parikrama marg, food kiosk, parking, modern toilet facilities, foot over bridge tourist facilitation centre and Ramayana gallery, laser show at Ramghat and last mile connectivity etc.
