Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday visited the Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum and Smriti Stupa complex in Vaishali district, where he reviewed tourist amenities, infrastructure and ongoing development works, officials said.
During the visit, Nitish inaugurated a newly constructed pathway connecting the museum-cum-stupa complex to the ancient earthen stupa by cutting a ceremonial ribbon. He also examined stone plaques depicting Buddhist symbols and their teachings within the complex.
The chief minister offered prayers at the Buddha idol housed on the ground floor of the stupa, seeking peace, harmony and prosperity for the state.
Describing Vaishali as a site of immense historical and cultural importance, Nitish said the complex had been developed in an exemplary manner, with attention to environmental aesthetics and visitor experience. He stressed the need to maintain the site to high standards and said it would enhance Bihar’s global profile while boosting tourism, culture and local employment.
Officials said the state government has been working to develop Buddhist heritage sites across Bihar into an integrated tourism circuit. The route connects Bodh Gaya to Rajgir, Patna and Vaishali, and extends further via Kesariya Stupa and Lauria Nandangarh to Kushinagar, facilitated by the Dhanaha-Ratwal bridge over the Gandak river.
Deputy chief minister Samrat Chaudhary and several senior officials, including principal secretary Deepak Kumar and district magistrate Varsha Singh, were present during the visit.
Officials said the initiative is part of broader efforts to position Bihar as a key destination for Buddhist pilgrimage and international tourism.
