It's been more than a month since Ram Temple is inaugurated in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, but devotees continue to throne the temple.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Monday that the current influx of tourists to Uttar Pradesh has doubled, surpassing the state's population.

He made the remark during the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony of 762 development projects totaling Rs 2,758 crore, organised by the Tourism Department at Lok Bhavan Auditorium.

Congratulating the people of the state for all the schemes related to the Tourism Department, the CM Yogi said, "For the first time, we are simultaneously inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for schemes based on proposals from the public representatives, Pro-Poor Scheme and the Chief Minister Tourism Development Scheme, aimed at systematically developing tourism spots across all 75 districts and 403 assembly constituencies of the state."

He said, "Today, we witness a new Uttar Pradesh emerging. From a tourism perspective, our efforts extend beyond the development of individual sites; we strive to foster overall growth, ecosystem preservation, and employment opportunities. With clear government intentions and swift execution, we witness tangible results."

He said that the improved security and law enforcement in the state have reshaped perceptions of Uttar Pradesh, and the government's decisions have yielded significant benefits.

The Chief Minister cited examples of cities like Kashi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Prayagraj, and Gorakhpur, where hotels are fully booked, taxi services are in high demand, markets have seen exponential growth, and restaurants are bustling with activity.

"Today, the whole world is eager to explore Uttar Pradesh. 'UP ab upadrav ki nahi, utsav ki bhoomi ban chuka hai' (the state has transformed into a land of celebration from a once-troubled region). What was once considered a state of chaos has now become a symbol of faith and prosperity under the leadership of the double-engine government," he further said.