Ayodhya: Union Tourism and Culture Minister Jagmohan on September 24 said work would soon commence to develop the twin-cities of Ayodhya and Faizabad into a pilgrim tourism destination.

Centre is seriously considering a proposal to develop the twin-cities onto a pilgrim tourist destination and the work would start soon on this project, he told reporters in Ayodhya.

Ayodhya and Faizabad have got all the ingredients to attract pilgrim tourists from all over the country, he said.

"There is no dearth of funds. We want to develop Ayodhya equivalent to Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Jagmohan, who had played a key role in developing Vaishno Devi into a pilgrim tourist centre, said initially there was no infrastructure, power, roads and drinking water facilities in and around the cave shrine. "Once these facilities were provided, the number of people visiting the holy place every year increased from three lakh to 60 lakh in two decades."

"Situation is different in Ayodhya. There is no need to build roads or create infrastructure to provide electricity in the twin city," the Minister said.

"Once beautified, the Saryu river front and its picturesque surroundings would add sheen to the majestic grandeur of the twin city. The beautification of the twin city will be on the pattern of temple cities of Mahabalipuram, Hampi and Ajanta and Ellora," Jagmohan said.

The beautification and development of Ayodhya would be taken up as a package plan. Technical officials of different departments would be asked to prepare the plan for consideration of the government, he said.

PTI