Patna : The proposed Integrated Master Plan 2047 for Gaya and Bodh Gaya outlines a major expansion of roads, tourism infrastructure, riverfront development, parking and pedestrian facilities, with the aim of creating a more integrated tourism and mobility network.
One of the key proposals is a 556.06-km road network covering Gaya and Bodh Gaya. The plan also includes a 500-metre Mahabodhi Corridor around the Mahabodhi Temple area to help reduce traffic pressure and improve pedestrian and tourist movement.
556 Km Road Network Proposed
The master plan proposes around 435.07 km of road network in Gaya and 120.99 km in Bodh Gaya.
Along with new roads, existing routes are proposed to be widened. Roads would be developed with widths of 12, 18, 24, 30, 60 and 90 metres, depending on their role in the planned network.
The plan includes radial, ring and outer-ring road networks to improve connectivity between Gaya and Bodh Gaya.
Rather than treating the two destinations as separate urban centres, the proposal seeks to develop them as an integrated tourism and mobility corridor.
Mahabodhi Corridor To Regulate Traffic
A proposed 500-metre Mahabodhi Corridor would provide controlled vehicle movement, pedestrian paths, signage, landscaping and tourist facilities around the temple area.
A multi-level parking facility has been proposed on Gauri Road. The plan also proposes e-rickshaw and other intermediate public transport facilities along a roughly 600-metre stretch from Gauri Road towards Hotel Embassy.
Beyond this section, the area towards the Mahabodhi Temple complex is proposed to be developed primarily for pedestrian and non-motorised movement.
New Facilities For Tourists
The master plan proposes a range of facilities to support visitors, including:
- Hotels and dharamshalas
- Wellness and meditation centres
- Tourist information centres
- Parking hubs
- Souvenir markets
- Food streets
It also seeks to promote homestays, village tourism, handicrafts, agro-tourism and eco-tourism, along with cycling routes and walking trails.
Falgu Riverfront To Become Tourism Hub
A major feature of the plan is the proposed riverfront along the Falgu River.
The riverfront is planned to include promenades along the ghats, cultural plazas, open spaces, landscaped areas and night-time lighting.
The plan also proposes promoting boating, cultural cruises and eco-tourism activities along the river. The objective is to complement religious tourism with cultural and recreational attractions.
Major Religious Sites To Be Linked
The master plan proposes connecting major religious, spiritual and historical destinations through an integrated tourism circuit.
These include the Vishnupad Temple, Mahabodhi Temple, Falgu River ghats, Dungeshwari Hills, Brahmayoni, Pretshila, Ramshila, Mangala Gauri Temple and Sujata Stupa.
Nearby tourism villages are also proposed to be connected with the wider tourism corridor through improved road and visitor infrastructure.
The long-term plan aims to strengthen Gaya and Bodh Gaya as an integrated religious, spiritual and tourism destination, with improved mobility and visitor facilities planned through 2047.
