Rajgir: The newly constructed integrated building near the Vishwa Shanti Stupa ropeway was inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the 55th anniversary of the stupa, introducing expanded facilities to enhance the tourist experience in the area. This building, located in Rajgir, is designed to cater to both domestic and international visitors, offering essential amenities such as shopping, dining, toilets, parking, and information centers.
In his address, Chief Minister Kumar emphasized the government’s commitment to developing Bihar’s tourism sector into a sustainable, eco-friendly, and advanced destination. He noted that modern methods are being employed to beautify tourism sites and promote increased interest in the state’s natural attractions. The new integrated building includes features such as elevators, ramps, and a spacious waiting area for ropeway passengers, making it easier for tourists to navigate the site and enjoy the scenery.
The Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bihar, has equipped the building with six food court outlets offering a variety of dishes, along with an 80-seater cafeteria for comfortable dining. Cleanliness and hygiene have been prioritized, with dustbins placed at various points, and a dedicated baby nutrition room available for families.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the building’s role in creating employment opportunities for local residents. Attendees at the event included key officials such as Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Prem Kumar, Member of Parliament Kaushalendra Kumar, Member of Legislative Assembly Kaushal Kishore, Secretary of Environment and Forest Bandana Preyashi, Regional Chief Forest Conservator Dr. Gopal Singh, and Forest Division Officer Rajkumar M.
Situated in Nalanda district, the marble Vishwa Shanti Stupa sits atop Ratnagiri Hill. It was established by Japanese Buddhist monk Fujii Guruji, with the foundation laid by President S. Radhakrishnan in 1965 and inaugurated by President V. V. Giri in 1969. The stupa features four golden Buddha statues and a Japanese Buddhist temple, accessible by a 2,200-foot ropeway, which now offers an enhanced visitor experience through the newly integrated facility.
