Patna: The prospect of Bihar entering the global motorsport calendar has been raised after Karel Abraham, founder of AVW Global Pte Ltd, submitted a proposal to the state government to develop and host MotoGP races in the Gaya–Bodh Gaya region from the 2028 season.
In an email addressed to chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit, Abraham sought an opportunity to present a roadmap outlining how Bihar could position itself as a global motorsport hub, while unlocking what he described as substantial economic, tourism and regional development dividends.
Abraham argued that the Gaya–Bodh Gaya belt offers a rare combination of infrastructure and international visibility. With an operational international airport, steady inflow of overseas visitors and the availability of development-ready land, the region, he said, could support a FIM Grade-A MotoGP circuit that would serve as eastern India’s flagship motorsport venue. He suggested that linking a high-profile global sporting event with one of the world’s most significant spiritual and cultural destinations would enhance Bihar’s international standing and deliver long-term economic returns.
MotoGP, governed by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of motorcycle racing. It is broadcast in more than 200 countries and reaches an estimated global audience of around 400 million viewers, making it one of the most commercially influential sporting properties worldwide.
Along with the proposal, Abraham enclosed a study on the economic impact of MotoGP in India. The document notes that the championship can generate one of the highest economic multipliers among global sporting events by activating multiple sectors simultaneously, including tourism, hospitality, transport, logistics, retail, media and automotive research and development.
The study points to the first Indian MotoGP race held in 2023, which it estimates generated about Rs 528 crore in direct economic activity, including Rs 392 crore spent on local goods and services. With improved scheduling, stronger international promotion and integrated tourism packages, the annual economic impact of hosting MotoGP in India could rise to between Rs 900 crore and Rs 1,400 crore per edition, it suggests.
A site suitability analysis prepared by AVW Global concludes that Gaya–Bodh Gaya presents Bihar with a rare opportunity to host one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events while accelerating regional development. By leveraging its airport connectivity, established tourism base and available land, the report argues, the region could gain sustained global visibility alongside tangible economic growth.
