Patna: Bihar is preparing to expand its tourism sector beyond traditional religious and heritage destinations, with artificial intelligence, digital technology, heli-tourism, homestays and modern visitor facilities being incorporated into the state’s tourism plans.
The proposed initiatives cover religious sites, historical destinations and natural attractions, with the stated aim of improving tourist facilities while linking the sector with employment and local economic activity.
Speaking on World Tourism Day, Tourism Minister Kedar Prasad Gupta said the use of AI and modern technology would be important for developing tourism in the digital era.
The state recorded more than 6.62 crore tourist arrivals in 2025, according to the information shared during the programme.
For tourism development, projects worth Rs 1,301 crore were approved during the 2025-26 financial year. In addition, 36 priority projects worth Rs 2,710 crore were approved under Pragati Yatra 2025.
Religious Corridors Under Development
Religious tourism remains an important part of Bihar’s tourism strategy, with several major infrastructure projects planned at prominent destinations.
At Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi, a temple dedicated to Maa Sita is being developed with an investment of more than Rs 1,000 crore.
In Gaya, the Vishnupad Temple Corridor is being developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 2,500 crore.
The Harihar Nath Temple Corridor in Sonpur, meanwhile, is being developed with an investment of more than Rs 680 crore.
Development is also progressing at destinations including Baba Garibnath Temple, Ashok Dham and Ahilyasthan.
The projects are intended to improve not only the sites themselves but also connectivity, tourist amenities, employment and economic activity in surrounding areas.
Heli-Tourism And New Visitor Experiences
The tourism strategy also includes new forms of travel and recreation.
A Buddhist Meditation and Experience Centre in Bodh Gaya is being developed at a cost of Rs 165 crore.
Other projects include a proposed glass bridge at Matsyagandha Lake in Saharsa and the development of Lav-Kush Park in Valmiki Nagar.
The state is also focusing on expanding modern accommodation and visitor facilities in Patna, Rajgir and Vaishali.
Heli-tourism is another area being developed. Plans include aerial tourism services covering destinations such as Patna Darshan, Nalanda and Valmiki Nagar.
An air ambulance service is also part of the proposed aviation-related infrastructure.
A ropeway has also been proposed between Atal Path in Patna and Harihar Nath Temple, offering another mode of access for tourists.
Homestays To Expand Rural Tourism
The government is seeking to ensure that tourism-related economic activity reaches rural communities through the Mukhyamantri Homestay Yojana.
Under the scheme, around 1,000 rooms are being developed around 34 tourist destinations.
Beneficiaries can receive financial assistance of up to Rs 11 lakh per unit for developing homestay facilities.
The tourism policy also targets skill development training for one lakh people and the creation of more than 20 lakh employment opportunities over the next five years.
To encourage private investment, the policy provides for 25% to 30% capital subsidy, according to the details shared during the programme.
AI Could Personalise Tourist Services
Artificial intelligence is expected to become an important part of the state’s digital tourism infrastructure.
Nand Kishore, Managing Director of the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation, said AI could analyse tourists’ preferences, searches and travel-related data to provide information suited to individual requirements.
This could include recommendations and information related to tourist destinations, hotels, food and other facilities.
Language technology and robotics could also help international visitors.
Tourists from countries such as China, Japan and South Korea could potentially receive assistance in their own languages at key tourism locations.
Airports and major destinations such as Bodh Gaya could be among the locations where such technology is deployed.
Tourism Linked To Employment And Local Economy
The state tourism department is also seeking to connect tourism growth with local livelihoods.
Chandan Chauhan, General Manager of the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation, said tourism serves as a link between culture, traditions, heritage and economic activity.
The department’s approach includes developing visitor infrastructure while creating opportunities for local communities and supporting the preservation of Bihar’s cultural heritage.
A World Tourism Day discussion on “Artificial Intelligence To Redesign Tourism” brought together experts to discuss the potential use of technology in the sector.
Bihar’s Cultural Heritage Remains Central
The World Tourism Day programme concluded with cultural performances showcasing Bihar’s folk traditions, art, culture and heritage.
Officials, tourism experts and representatives from industry and educational institutions attended the programme.
With the proposed projects, Bihar’s tourism strategy is increasingly combining its established religious and historical destinations with technology, aviation-based tourism, rural accommodation and modern visitor infrastructure.
