Patna: Gaya’s Vishnupad Temple area is set for a major transformation, with a Rs 3,516 crore integrated development plan aimed at improving religious infrastructure, pilgrim facilities and water availability in the region.
The redevelopment of the temple area is planned on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi. Consultants have been appointed for the projects and the tender process has been completed. The construction agency is expected to be assigned the work soon.
Rs 2,520 Crore Plan For Vishnupad Temple Area
The Rs 2,520 crore Vishnupad Temple redevelopment project will include several infrastructure and public-amenity works around the temple.
The plan includes multilevel parking, elevated pathways, ramps, ghats, a pedestrian bridge, dormitories and canteens. It also provides for the development of the Mansarwa-Manpur Bridge, construction of statues, improvement of the PFC Sita Kund area and upgrades to public and internal facilities.
The proposed infrastructure is intended to make movement and access easier for devotees visiting the temple and surrounding religious sites.
Rs 996.5 Crore Son-Phalgu River-Linking Project
The second component of the plan is the Rs 996.5 crore Son-Phalgu river-linking project, which aims to improve water availability in Gaya and Bodh Gaya.
Under the project, water will be lifted from the Son River and transported through pipelines and canals to the Morhar River. An artificial reservoir with a capacity of around 10 million cubic metres is also proposed on the Morhar River.
The scheme is expected to improve water availability in the region and support the requirements of Gaya and Bodh Gaya.
Focus On Pilgrim Facilities
Gaya is a major religious destination and attracts devotees from across India and abroad, particularly during Pitru Paksha, when large numbers of pilgrims arrive for pind daan and tarpan rituals.
The planned redevelopment will bring together temple infrastructure, transport facilities, accommodation, public amenities and river-related works as part of the wider development programme.
The Rs 3,516 crore plan combines the Rs 2,520 crore Vishnupad Temple redevelopment with the Rs 996.5 crore Son-Phalgu river-linking project.
With the tender process completed, the projects are now moving towards implementation, with the construction agency expected to be appointed soon.
