In the Union Budget for 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled plans to significantly enhance tourism infrastructure in Bihar, focusing on the Vishnupad Temple corridor at Gaya, the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, and the ancient city of Nalanda. These initiatives aim to transform these locations into world-class pilgrim and tourist destinations, modeled after the successful Kashi Vishwanath Temple corridor in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
The Vishnupad Temple and Mahabodhi Temple corridors will be developed with facilities similar to those of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor, which was inaugurated in December 2021 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This project, which cost ₹339 crores, includes 23 buildings offering various amenities such as Yatri Suvidha Kendras, a Tourist Facilitation Centre, Vedic Kendra, Mumukshu Bhavan, Bhogshala, a City Museum, Viewing Gallery, and Food Court. The development in Bihar will aim to replicate this model to enhance the experience for pilgrims and tourists.
Additionally, the budget outlines comprehensive plans for Rajgir, another significant religious city in Bihar. Rajgir holds great importance for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, and the government plans to bolster its spiritual and tourist appeal. The development will also include efforts to restore Nalanda University to its former glory, further enriching the region’s cultural and historical significance.
Odisha will also see advancements in tourism development. Finance Minister Sitharaman highlighted Odisha’s diverse attractions, including its scenic beauty, temples, monuments, craftsmanship, wildlife sanctuaries, natural landscapes, and pristine beaches. The state will receive government support to bolster its tourism sector, enhancing its appeal as a premier tourist destination.
In her seventh consecutive budget presentation, Sitharaman emphasized that tourism is integral to India’s civilizational heritage and noted that these developments are expected to boost investment and economic opportunities across other sectors. The initiatives are anticipated to create significant employment opportunities and stimulate broader economic growth.
Overall, these measures reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing India’s cultural and historical tourism infrastructure, ensuring that the country’s rich heritage is both preserved and celebrated.