Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday directed officials to provide international-standard facilities for tourists visiting Gaya, Rajgir and Nalanda, while accelerating key infrastructure and tourism projects aimed at strengthening the state’s position on the global tourism map.
Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Tourism Department at the Sankalp Sabhagar in the Lok Sevak Awas, the Chief Minister said Bihar’s rich spiritual, historical and cultural heritage must be transformed into a major driver of tourism and economic growth.
Subsidised Air Connectivity Planned
To improve accessibility to major tourist destinations, the Chief Minister directed officials to launch subsidised helicopter services for Maa Mundeshwari Temple, Karkatgarh Waterfall and Rajgir.
He also instructed the Tourism Department to start concessional air services for tourists travelling to Valmikinagar on Saturdays and Sundays at the earliest.
Officials said the move is expected to reduce travel time and improve connectivity to some of Bihar’s most prominent tourist attractions.
End-to-End Tourist Services
The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) will introduce an end-to-end travel service for tourists, covering assistance from departure in Patna to arrival at destinations across the state.
The initiative aims to provide a seamless travel experience for visitors and improve overall tourist satisfaction.
Temple Corridor Projects to Be Fast-Tracked
The Chief Minister directed officials to finalise plans for the Vishnupad Temple Corridor in Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple Corridor in Bodh Gaya and begin implementation without delay.
The projects are expected to enhance visitor facilities and improve the overall experience at two of Bihar’s most important religious destinations.
Rajgir and Nalanda at Centre of Development Strategy
Highlighting Rajgir’s historical and spiritual significance, Choudhary said the city should be developed as a Global Center of Spiritual Learning.
He also directed officials to expand and modernise tourism infrastructure in Rajgir to attract greater numbers of domestic and international visitors.
For Nalanda, the Chief Minister called for a special integrated development package aimed at restoring its historic status as a global centre of learning and culture.
He said efforts would continue to strengthen Nalanda’s international identity and further enhance its standing as a UNESCO World Heritage destination.
PPP Investment and Rural Tourism
The government will encourage investment in the tourism sector through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to improve management and create new tourism infrastructure.
A special development plan will also be prepared for the comprehensive expansion of the Pawapuri Temple Complex.
The Chief Minister further directed officials to launch rural tourism initiatives to promote local culture, traditional crafts and village-based economic activities.
Homestay Policy to Generate Jobs
As part of the state’s tourism strategy, Bihar will aggressively promote its Homestay Policy to provide visitors with authentic local experiences while creating employment opportunities in rural and semi-urban areas.
Officials said the initiative would help showcase Bihar’s traditional hospitality and generate additional income for local communities.
Employment and Economic Benefits
“The land of Bihar has always been a centre of spirituality, history and culture. Our goal is to ensure that tourists visiting Gaya, Rajgir and Nalanda receive facilities of international standards,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that improved infrastructure, tourism corridors and homestay initiatives would not only boost tourist arrivals but also create significant employment opportunities for local youth.
Senior officials present at the meeting included Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Kumar, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh, Urban Development and Housing Department Principal Secretary Vinay Kumar, Tourism Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh, Chief Minister’s Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh and Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Nand Kishore.
