Patna: The grand temple of Mata Janaki under construction in Sitamarhi, inspired by the Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya, is expected to be completed within 42 months, Bihar’s Tourism Minister Arun Shankar Prasad announced on Tuesday.
Speaking at an event to release the departmental calendar, diary, and table calendar at the Tourism Department office, Prasad confirmed that all approvals for the temple’s design and funding have been secured and construction has already commenced.
Prasad highlighted that the state welcomed 63 million domestic and 700,000 foreign tourists in the past year and outlined plans to expand religious tourism. “Proposals are underway to develop Shiva and Shakti circuits, complementing existing Ramayana, Sufi, and Buddhist circuits,” he said, adding that facilities at major tourist sites are being upgraded.
The minister also outlined a 100-day roadmap to review ongoing departmental schemes, with regular monitoring to address any obstacles in project implementation.
In addition to religious tourism, Prasad announced plans for new luxury accommodations in Patna. A lease has been granted for a five-star hotel on land adjoining Patliputra Ashok and the Bankipur bus stand, while a second five-star hotel is proposed for the site of the Sultan Palace building, following high-level approvals. He added that he personally inspects Tourism Department projects across districts to ensure progress.
Tourism Secretary Nilesh Ramchandra Deore, Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Nand Kishore, and Tourism Director Udayan Mishra attended the event.
