Detection of spatiotemporal urban growth is crucial for sustainable urban development. Rapid urban growth is increasingly prevalent in Indian cities, placing significant pressure on urban land management, the climate, environment and ecosystem of the cities and their surrounding areas, as well as overall sustainable development. As per the Census of India, the 2011 total population of Ayodhya Municipal Corporation is reported at 2,21,118 persons, and the urban area is expanding more rapidly. The study aims to examine the growth and development of Ayodhya Municipal Corporation by using geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques. For this study, data is collected from topographic maps, satellite images and the Census of India. The analysis of urban growth patterns across distinct time periods (1955, 1975, 1995, 2015 and 2024) revealed that the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation’s total built-up area grew from 12 km2 to 76.30 km2 between 1955 and 2024. Along the transportation routes, built-up area expansions have mostly occurred in the south and south-west. Additionally, the analysis shows that between 1955 and 2024, there was a substantial and positive correlation between the growth of the built-up area and the overall population. The study’s findings are important for understanding the growth and development of built-up areas and their effects on the city and its environs for researchers, urban planners and policymakers.