Patna: The Bihar government has reviewed plans to expand and modernise the state’s Buddhist circuit in discussions with representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), as part of efforts to strengthen tourism-led economic growth.
Tourism secretary Nilesh Ramchandra Deore chaired a meeting at the tourism department office in the main secretariat on Monday, where officials and ADB representatives discussed the overall development of key pilgrimage and heritage destinations including Rajgir, Nalanda, Gayaji and Bodhgaya. Tourism director and special secretary Udayan Mishra, along with departmental officials, were present.
Addressing the meeting, Deore said the government was working continuously towards the comprehensive development of the Buddhist circuit. He noted that, following an announcement in the Union budget, a consultant had prepared a development plan, which is currently being finalised.
The primary objective, he said, is to encourage tourists visiting the Gaya–Bodhgaya and Rajgir–Nalanda clusters to extend their stay, thereby strengthening the local economy. To achieve this, the state plans to create new cultural and activity hubs, including art and craft villages, housing projects and improved market access for GI-tagged products.
Officials also discussed a proposal to develop tourist infrastructure in the green belt between Gayaji and Bodhgaya. A broader framework is being prepared under the “One State, One Tourist Destination” initiative, aimed at giving a focused identity to key circuits within Bihar.
ADB representatives told the meeting that there were significant opportunities for the expansion of the Buddhist circuit. They said a feasibility study had already been conducted and that its report was available, indicating potential for structured and sustainable tourism development.
The meeting forms part of ongoing consultations between the state government and multilateral agencies on enhancing infrastructure, cultural assets and visitor experience across Bihar’s heritage sites.
