Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates Five Bihar Tourism Schemes Virtually
Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for five key tourism projects in Bihar through virtual means from Srinagar on Thursday. These initiatives encompass various development schemes aimed at enhancing tourism infrastructure and facilities across the state.
The schemes include projects catering to the convenience of Kanwariyas traveling from Sultanganj to Babadham, developments in the Mandar and Ang Circuit, inauguration of Vaishali’s development schemes in the Jain Circuit, enhancements at Bhitiharwa Ashram in the Gandhi Circuit, and the initiation of development endeavors for the Aami Temple complex in Saran district.
Under the PRASAD Scheme initiated by the Ministry of Tourism, the foundation stone was laid for the first phase of these projects. Ceremonial events were organized at all five locations, attended by local public representatives, citizens, and officials from the tourism department.
Dr. Prem Kumar, Bihar’s Tourism Minister, graced the occasion as the chief guest at the Vaishali ceremony. In his address, Dr. Kumar hailed the significance of the day for Bihar, emphasizing the pivotal role of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in driving structural developments conducive to tourism and pilgrimage in the state.
Dr. Kumar commended Prime Minister Modi’s directives, asserting that the collaborative efforts of the central and state governments are pivotal in fostering the development of Bihar’s tourist destinations. He highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the commencement of the grand Ram temple construction in Punauradham, Sitamarhi, alongside Ayodhya, indicating a surge in tourist footfall.
The developments underscored the state’s commitment to expanding tourism facilities across iconic destinations such as Gaya Ji, Rajgrih, Bodh Gaya, and Vaishali. Mr. Nandkishore and Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gupta from the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation extended a warm welcome to guests at the Vaishali event, joined by officials from the local district administration and tourism department.
The inauguration and foundation stone-laying for these schemes encompass several key developments: the Kanwariya Circuit, aimed at ensuring a hassle-free pilgrimage experience for Kanwariyas, offering amenities like benches, shelters, cafeterias, and toilets along the route from Sultanganj to Baba Baidyanath Dham Temple Deoghar, funded under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 1.0; enhancements in the Mandar and Ang Circuit, featuring the creation of an Art and Craft Village, improvements in temple infrastructure, and beautification of heritage sites, amounting to Rs 40.42 crore; in Vaishali, the addition of facilities such as restrooms, drinking water, and a sound and light show at Pushkarni Lake, enriching the tourism experience under the Jain Circuit; upgrades to Bhitiharwa Ashram in the Gandhi Circuit, including boundary walls, exhibition halls, public facilities, and solar power systems, with a total investment of Rs 16.37 crore; and the initial phase of development for the Aami Temple Complex, entailing comprehensive campus improvements, new constructions, road widening, and drainage systems, sanctioned at Rs 12.26 crore.
Prime Minister Modi’s virtual inauguration signals a significant stride towards bolstering Bihar’s tourism sector, promising enhanced experiences for travelers and pilgrims alike.
