Lucknow: In a major move to enhance the pilgrimage experience in Ayodhya, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched an initiative to install smart display kiosks across key locations, including railway stations and airports. These kiosks will provide real-time updates on temple opening hours, routes, and other essential details about major religious sites such as the Ram Mandir and Hanumangarhi temple.
The Ayodhya Pilgrimage Development Authority is spearheading the project, aiming to offer seamless assistance to visitors. “We want to make Ayodhya’s pilgrimage experience smooth and informative. These kiosks will provide navigation assistance and cultural insights to ensure devotees and tourists can explore the city with ease,” said Santosh Sharma, CEO of the authority. If successful, the initiative will be expanded to other locations. Each kiosk is estimated to cost ₹2.5 lakh.
The kiosks will be equipped with touchscreen interfaces, voice command features, QR code scanners, and internet connectivity. Security measures, including power backup and anti-vandalism features, will ensure uninterrupted service. The interactive screens will offer historical and cultural insights, while QR codes will allow users to access relevant information on their mobile devices.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Ram Mandir Trust has extended the temple’s visiting hours. The temple will now open at 6 AM instead of 7 AM, with devotees allowed entry from 6:30 AM to 11:50 AM before closing for Raj Bhog at 12 PM. The new schedule, including revised aarti timings, came into effect on Monday, further enhancing the pilgrimage experience.
