Ayodhya’s Tourism Economy Likely to Generate Rs 18,000 Crore By 2028

Ayodhya’s Tourism Economy Likely to Generate Rs 18,000 Crore By 2028

Ayodhya’s tourism economy is set for a robust expansion, with projections indicating it may touch Rs 18,000 crore by 2028. The surge will be driven largely by the increase in the number of visitors after the consecration of the Ram Temple earlier last year.

Currently, Ayodhya’s tourism sector generates Rs 8,000–12,500 crore annually through hospitality, transport, retail, and related services.

By 2028, the city is expected to contribute 25 per cent to Uttar Pradesh’s projected Rs 70,000 crore tourism economy, translating to nearly Rs 18,000 crore.

Record Footfall of Tourists After Temple Consecration

The consecration of the Ram Temple in January 2024 triggered a massive rise in tourist arrivals.

• In 2023, Ayodhya recorded 5.57 crore visitors.
• After the temple consecration, footfall jumped to more than 16 crore in 2024.
• In the first six months of 2025, over 23 crore devotees visited the city.

The total footfall is expected to surpass 50 crore by the end of 2025, already exceeding annual tourist counts at popular Indian destinations such as the Taj Mahal, Varanasi, and Mathura.

Ayodhya currently contributes an estimated 1.5 per cent of Uttar Pradesh’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).

Massive Investments to Transform Ayodhya

To sustain and expand this tourism boom, both the central and state governments are investing over Rs 5,000 crore in development projects which include:

• Eco-friendly township spread across 1,407 acres, costing Rs 2,180 crore, under the “Vedic Expansion Plan”.
• Ram Van Gaman Path, an infrastructure project worth Rs 4,403 crore.

Demographic Growth Forecast

Ayodhya’s rapidly rising profile is expected to significantly reshape local demographics.

• Current population: 11 lakh
• Projected population by 2031: 24 lakh
• By 2047: 34 lakh