Patna: The Bihar cabinet on Wednesday approved the lease of 10.11 acres of government land in Mokama, Patna district, to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for the construction of a Sri Venkateswara temple complex.
The land will be leased for 99 years at a token price under a cabinet-approved memorandum of understanding (MoU), with the state government relaxing provisions of the Bihar Khasmahal Policy and earlier land allotment rules to facilitate the project.
Land Cleared For Temple Project
According to the cabinet decision, 10.11 acres of land in Mauza Mokama Khas, under Mokama police station, will be leased to TTD, the trust that manages the renowned Tirumala temple in Andhra Pradesh.
The approval includes relaxation of provisions contained in earlier notifications of the Department of Revenue and Land Reforms and the Bihar Khasmahal Policy, enabling the land to be allotted on a long-term lease for a nominal consideration.
The cabinet also approved the draft memorandum of understanding that will govern the implementation of the project.
Temple Complex Planned
The proposed temple complex will include the main Sri Venkateswara shrine along with a Kalyana Mandapam, a Pushkarini (sacred water tank) and other facilities for pilgrims.
TTD has indicated that it intends to expedite construction once the remaining administrative formalities are completed.
The project is expected to become one of the largest Hindu religious complexes in Bihar developed by the Tirupati temple trust.
Focus On Religious Tourism
The Bihar government said the project forms part of a broader effort to develop Mokama as a centre for religious, cultural and tourism activities.
Located on the banks of the Ganges in Patna district, Mokama lies near the confluence of the historic regions of Anga, Magadha and Mithila and serves as the gateway to Simariya Ghat, which hosts the Ardh Kumbh Mela at regular intervals.
Officials said the area’s historical and religious significance made it a suitable location for developing a major pilgrimage destination that could attract devotees from across the country.
Project Gathering Momentum
The cabinet approval follows earlier discussions between the Bihar government and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams regarding the project.
Earlier this month, TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu met Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and thanked the state government for facilitating the land allotment. During the meeting, Naidu presented Chaudhary with a ceremonial shawl and a memento of Lord Venkateswara. Bihar Chief Secretary Amrit Pratyay was also present.
The state government had earlier announced plans to allocate land near Patna for the temple, and the latest cabinet decision clears the way for the formal execution of the lease agreement and commencement of the project.
Officials expect the temple complex to strengthen Bihar’s religious tourism infrastructure while contributing to economic activity and employment in the Mokama region.
