Patna: A significant step in strengthening religious tourism in Bihar was taken on Tuesday as the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gurudwara Managing Committee, Takht Shri Harimandir Ji, Patna Sahib. The agreement entrusts the committee with the operation and maintenance of the newly built Tourist Information Centre at Kangan Ghat, Patna Sahib.
The signing took place in the presence of Bihar’s Tourism Minister Raju Kumar Singh and Tourism Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh, inside the minister’s chamber at the Chief Secretariat. BSTDC Managing Director Nand Kishore and representatives of the Gurudwara Managing Committee formalised the partnership.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 7.42 crore under the Government of India’s PRASAD scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive), the Tourist Information Centre is part of a wider development project aimed at enhancing facilities at Patna Sahib, one of Sikhism’s most revered sites. The centre was completed in 2021 and includes a G+2 building featuring a Sangat Hall, reception area, kitchen, toilets, and 28 guest rooms.
Speaking at the event, Tourism Minister Singh said, “The MoU marks a collaborative effort to improve pilgrim experience and ensure efficient upkeep of infrastructure. With the Gurudwara committee’s deep connection to the site and its visitors, this is a natural partnership.”
The Rs 41.53 crore development scheme for Patna Sahib, approved in the 2015–16 financial year, has been implemented by BSTDC. Official approval from the Council of Ministers for the transfer of operational responsibility to the Gurudwara committee was received prior to the MoU.
