Tata Sons to Build ₹650 Crore ‘Museum of Temples’ in Ayodhya

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved Tata Sons’ proposal to build a ‘museum of temples’ in Ayodhya, a project worth Rs 650 crore to be funded through Tata’s corporate social responsibility fund. Additionally, the state cabinet has also sanctioned Rs 100 crore for further development works in Ayodhya and endorsed the initiation of helicopter services in Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Kapilvastu. 

About this museum project

The museum project, which has been under consideration since last year, aims to highlight the history and architecture of India’s renowned temples and may feature a light-and-sound show. The tourism department will provide land for the museum on a 90-year lease for a nominal fee of Re 1. This initiative was discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and senior officials in September. The tourism department will provide land for the museum on a 90-year lease for a token amount of Re 1.

Aim of this project

These comprehensive projects aim to boost tourism, improve infrastructure, and enhance the historical and cultural significance of Ayodhya and other key locations in Uttar Pradesh. In addition to the museum, the project includes Rs 100 crore in development works proposed by Tata Sons to further enhance Ayodhya’s infrastructure and tourist appeal. Another key approval from the state cabinet involves the launch of helicopter services under the public-private partnership (PPP) model in Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Kapilvastu. This includes the construction of necessary helipads to facilitate the services.

Three dormant heritage buildings

The cabinet also decided to transform three dormant heritage buildings into tourist attractions. The selected sites are Kothi Roshan Dulha in Lucknow, Barsana Jal Mahal in Mathura, and Shukla Talab (pond) in Kanpur. Researchers will be selected under the Mukhya Mantri tourism fellowship programme to assist in the development of these sites.