Shortage of workers leads to three-month delay in completion of Ram Temple

The completion of Ram temple in Ayodhya, originally slated for June 2025, has been delayed by three months due to a shortage of workers and the need to replace certain stones, chairman of the construction committee Nripendra Mishra told PTI. Mishra explained that the delay is due to a shortfall of about 200 workers and the discovery that some of the stones of the temple’s first floor are “weak and thin”, necessitating their replacement.

“We are currently facing a labour shortage, which is causing delays in the construction process,” Mishra said in an update on Friday. “As a result, the temple will now be ready by September 2025,” he added.

Mishra clarified that while 8.5 lakh cubic feet of red ‘Bansi Paharpur’ stones have been procured and delivered at Ayodhya for the temple’s boundary, the reduced workforce has slowed construction work.

In addition to the labour challenges, some of the stones initially intended for use on the first floor were found to be unsuitable and will be replaced with more durable ‘Makrana’ stones, which are better suited for the structure.

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In a recent two-day meeting of the temple’s construction committee all stakeholders reviewed the progress and other aspects of the project, including the auditorium, the temple’s boundary walls, and the path where devotees walk while offering prayers, all of which are still under construction.

Mishra mentioned that statues for the temple, including those for Lord Ram’s court and six other temples surrounding the main structure, are being carved in Jaipur and are expected to arrive in Ayodhya by December. The Ram Temple was consecrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2024.

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“The sculptor has assured us that all statues will be completed by the end of the year,” Mishra explained. He added that decisions regarding the placement of these statues within the temple complex will be made soon. Additionally, two statues of Ram Lalla, already approved by the temple trust will be installed in prominent locations within the temple.

Discussions are underway on certain aspects that could improve visitor experience, especially easing the flow of devotees exiting the Janmabhoomi path after offering prayers. Mishra acknowledged crowding issues and confirmed that these concerns are being addressed as part of the planning process to ensure smoother accessibility for visitors.