Yogi govt to install ‘display kiosks’ in Ayodhya for tourists’ convenience at four places
The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a new initiative aimed at enhancing the experience of pilgrims and tourists visiting Ayodhya by setting up advanced “display kiosks” at key locations. This project seeks to provide visitors with easy access to real-time information about major religious and tourist sites, ensuring that their journey is both smooth and well-informed.
According to officials, these kiosks will serve as information hubs, offering crucial details regarding visiting hours, distances, and other relevant aspects of important religious landmarks, such as the iconic Ram Mandir and the revered Hanumangarhi temple. The implementation of this system is expected to significantly improve the accessibility of information for pilgrims and tourists alike.
To ensure optimal coverage, the kiosks will initially be installed at four strategically chosen locations, including railway stations and airports, which serve as major entry points for visitors arriving in Ayodhya. If the initiative proves successful, authorities plan to expand the project to additional locations across the city.
The primary goal of these kiosks is to assist visitors by offering guidance on temple timings, routes, and nearby accommodations. Beyond practical travel information, they will also provide historical, cultural, and tourism-related content to enrich the overall pilgrimage experience. With seamless connectivity and real-time updates, the kiosks will help pilgrims plan their visits more effectively.
The Ayodhya Pilgrimage Development Authority has been entrusted with the task of executing and managing this initiative. Each kiosk is estimated to cost around Rs 2.5 lakh, making it a significant but valuable investment in the city’s tourism infrastructure.
Commenting on the initiative, Santosh Sharma, the CEO of the Ayodhya Pilgrimage Development Authority, emphasized its importance in improving the overall experience for visitors. “Our goal is to provide an enhanced, convenient, and informative experience for pilgrims traveling to Ayodhya. These kiosks will allow visitors to access essential details about temples and other attractions, ultimately making their journey more seamless and enjoyable. This project is also expected to contribute to the growth of tourism in Ayodhya,” he stated.
In terms of design and functionality, the kiosks will be equipped with a touch screen interface, allowing users to navigate and retrieve necessary information with ease. To enhance user experience further, authorities are considering the incorporation of voice command features, making the kiosks more interactive and accessible for individuals who may not be comfortable using touchscreens.
Additionally, a QR code scanning option will be integrated, enabling visitors to download relevant information directly onto their mobile phones for quick reference. This will allow users to access temple schedules, maps, and other essential details without having to remain at the kiosk for extended periods.
To ensure uninterrupted service, these kiosks will be supported by internet connectivity, power backup systems, and security features designed to prevent damage or vandalism. Furthermore, the information displayed on the kiosks will be updated regularly to ensure accuracy and relevance, keeping visitors well-informed at all times, Sharma added.
In a separate development aimed at enhancing the visitor experience, authorities have revised the opening hours of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The temple trust’s media center announced that, as of Monday, the temple now opens an hour earlier at 6 am, instead of the previous 7 am opening time.
According to the updated schedule, devotees can now enter the temple from 6:30 am to 11:50 am following the morning Shringar Aarti. After this period, the temple will be closed from 12 pm to 1 pm to accommodate the Raj Bhog Aarti. Visiting hours will resume from 1 pm and continue until 6:50 pm, after which the Sandhya Aarti will take place at 7 pm.
With these new initiatives in place, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to streamline the pilgrimage experience in Ayodhya, ensuring that visitors have easy access to relevant information while also enjoying an improved schedule for temple visits. The combination of digital kiosks and extended temple hours is expected to greatly enhance the overall convenience and spiritual experience of those traveling to the sacred city.
