Vaishali/ Patna: – Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday inspected the under-construction Buddha Samyak Darshan-cum-Smriti Stupa in Vaishali and instructed officials to expedite work on the ambitious cultural and religious complex.
Accompanied by senior officials and public representatives, CM Nitish reviewed progress on various sections of the site, including the main stupa structure, meditation centre, museum block, library, and visitor facilities. Officials from the Building Construction Department informed the chief minister that most of the work was complete, with final touches expected to be finished within a month.
The site, which aims to attract both domestic and international tourists, especially followers of Buddhism, is being positioned as a major centre of pilgrimage and learning. The Chief Minister was briefed by Kumar Ravi, secretary of the Building Construction Department, who said landscaping and finishing work on the exhibits and meditation areas were in their final stages.
The chief minister stressed the importance of timely completion and called for improvements to the complex’s aesthetics and environmental design.
“We have been monitoring this project closely,” CM Nitish said. “Complete the work as soon as possible, keeping in mind the environmental appeal of the site so that visiting tourists have a unique and memorable experience.”
He added that improvements in transport infrastructure were underway to ensure easier and faster access to the site, which could significantly boost local employment and tourism.
Vaishali holds a special place in Buddhist history. It is believed to house the most authentic relics of the Buddha, and the site has long been regarded as an important destination for Buddhist pilgrims. The memorial complex will feature exhibitions on the life of Gautam Buddha, major milestones in the spread of Buddhism, and the history of Vaishaligarh itself.
“People visiting Bodh Gaya and Rajgir will also be encouraged to visit Vaishali,” the CM said. “The museum will not only display events from Buddha’s life but also document the transformation of Vaishaligarh under our development plan.”
Among those present during the visit were Building Construction Minister Jayant Raj, Vaishali MLA Siddharth Patel, Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar, Principal Secretary to the CM Dr S Siddharth, and other senior officials including engineers, law enforcement, and representatives from the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee.
