Patna, August 10: Bihar’s Tourism Minister, Kedar Prasad Gupta, met with the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, on Monday. He urged for the swift approval of pending plans related to the development of key pilgrimage and tourist sites in the state. Gupta requested prompt consideration of the proposals submitted by the Bihar government under the 2024-25 Union Budget announcement.
Minister Gupta informed the central minister that the Bihar government has prepared a comprehensive proposal for the planned development of the state’s major religious, historical, and tourist sites. The development of Gaya-Bodhgaya and Nalanda-Rajgir has been prioritized.
He stated that in line with the 2024-25 Union Budget announcement, a final comprehensive destination strategy and development plan for Gaya-Bodhgaya and Nalanda-Rajgir has been sent to the central government. These plans aim to enhance the tourism potential of the respective areas and ensure coordinated and sustainable development with modern facilities.
The Bihar government has prepared a development plan of ₹1,080 crores for the overall development of Gaya-Bodhgaya and ₹1,050 crores for Nalanda-Rajgir. Detailed infrastructure analysis reports have also been submitted to the central government alongside these plans.
The Tourism Minister mentioned that the Gaya-Bodhgaya proposal includes two plans related to a heritage market and an international food court in Bodhgaya. Additionally, a project proposal for the development of Simaria Ghat in Begusarai district, under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, has been sent to the central government, with an allocation of ₹1,216.02 lakhs, and is currently awaiting approval.
Kedar Prasad Gupta urged the Union Tourism Minister to grant prompt theoretical approval for all plans submitted by the Bihar government in compliance with the budget announcement. This would allow development works to proceed without unnecessary delays.
He emphasized that the planned development of significant sites like Gaya, Bodhgaya, Nalanda, and Rajgir would play a crucial role in giving Bihar’s religious, historical, and cultural heritage a new identity at both national and international levels.
According to the Tourism Minister, timely implementation of these projects will expand facilities for pilgrims and tourists from both domestic and international locations. It will also promote tourism-based economic activities, create jobs, and foster local development. The Bihar government is actively working towards developing these sites as world-class tourism and cultural heritage destinations.
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