In a highly anticipated event, the grand opening of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is expected to have a significant impact on religious tourism in India. The temple, spread over nearly 70 acres, is poised to attract over 50 million visitors annually, surpassing popular religious destinations like the Golden Temple and Tirupati Temple.

According to a report by global brokerage firm Jefferies, the Ram temple's opening is predicted to create a "meaningfully large economic impact." The report highlights that the main pilgrimage site will be fully equipped to host approximately one million devotees at a time. It further estimates that the number of pilgrims visiting the temple is expected to soar to 1-1.5 lakh (100,000-150,000) per day.

Besides the expected surge in religious tourism, the town of Ayodhya is also witnessing an impressive Rs 85,000-crore makeover. This holistic transformation includes the construction of a new airport, an improved railway station, a new township, and enhanced road connectivity. As a result, this makeover is projected to have a multiplier effect by leading to the development of new hotels and other economic activities in the area.

The Jefferies report acknowledges that despite existing challenges in terms of infrastructure, religious tourism remains the largest segment in India. It highlights that several religious centers across the country already attract between 10 and 30 million visitors annually, illustrating the huge potential for growth in this sector.

The grand opening of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is not only a significant milestone for religious pilgrims but also a substantial boost to the local economy and tourism industry. With its planned infrastructure improvements and the expected influx of millions of visitors, Ayodhya is soon to become a prominent religious destination in India.