IRCTC's Endless Wait: Budget Hotel Plans Stalled

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has been awaiting land allocation for almost five years from the Uttar Pradesh government to construct a budget hotel for pilgrims in Ayodhya. According to a senior official, this effort has faced persistent hurdles despite the corporation's repeated communications.

IRCTC, a public sector entity under the Railway Ministry, aims to develop a hospitality project strategically located near Ayodhya's railway station or bus depot. Despite written appeals to key government officials, including a 2020 letter to then-Chief Secretary Rajendra Kumar Tiwari, responses have been minimal.

Further communications, including a 2021 letter from IRCTC's CMD, emphasized the need for expediting the land allocation process to accommodate pilgrims and enhance local employment opportunities. Despite the efforts, the IRCTC has now halted its pursuit, anticipating no positive resolution.

(With inputs from agencies.)