Patna: Bihar’s chief minister, Samrat Choudhary, reviewed the proposed Vishnupad Temple Corridor Project in Gaya and directed officials to ensure smooth access for pilgrims and minimal disruption to visitors.
At a meeting held at the state secretariat, officials presented a detailed plan for the redevelopment of the Vishnupad Temple complex and surrounding areas along the Falgu river. The Rs 2,390 crore project is intended to overhaul infrastructure around one of Bihar’s most significant pilgrimage sites, particularly for those performing pind daan rituals.
According to the presentation, the project will include the development of 694 structures, ranging from commercial shops and parking facilities to shelters for pilgrims. The plan also covers the beautification of river ghats stretching between the Vishnupad Temple, Manpur and the Sita Kund area.
Officials said three designated parking zones are planned, with capacity for around 750 cars and 20 buses. A 108-foot statue of Lord Vishnu, made of mixed metal alloy, is also proposed for installation in the Falgu river between the temple and Sita Kund, accessible via a pedestrian walkway.
The corridor design includes 24 shelters for pilgrims, each with seating for 20 people. A walk-through model of the proposed development was also shown during the review.
Choudhary instructed officials to ensure that the temple complex, riverfront and adjoining areas are developed in a way that allows devotees to reach the main shrine without difficulty. Emphasising the large annual influx of pilgrims from India and abroad, he said the project must prioritise convenience and safety.
He also directed that the proposed pedestrian pathway between the temple and Sita Kund be at least 20 feet wide, and stressed the need for adequate parking arrangements.
Senior state officials, including deputy chief ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav, the chief secretary, and representatives from the tourism department, attended the meeting.
