Union Budget 2024: These Two Bihar Temples Will Be Transformed Into World-Class Pilgrimage And Tourist Destinations

On Tuesday, July 23, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the government will support the comprehensive development of the Vishnupad Temple corridor in Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, with the aim of transforming these sites into world-class pilgrimage and tourist destinations.

The development of these corridors will be modeled after the successful Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor, she noted. The Vishnupad Temple, one of the oldest Hindu shrines, is situated next to the Falgu River, while the Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“Tourism has always been integral to our civilization. Our efforts to position India as a global tourist destination will also generate jobs, attract investments, and open economic opportunities for other sectors,” Sitharaman said during her Union Budget 2024-25 speech.

MUST READ: UNION BUDGET 2024: These Three Cancer Pills Worth Lakhs Have Been Fully Exempted From Customs Duty

In addition to the initiatives mentioned in the Interim Budget, she also proposed several measures to boost the tourism sector.

For FY25, the government has allocated ₹2,479 crore to the tourism sector, according to the budget estimate. This is an increase compared to the ₹2,400 crore allocated in FY24. The revised estimates for FY24 show a reduced allocation of ₹1,692.10 crore for the tourism sector.

“Vishnupad Temple at Gaya and Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya in Bihar are of immense spiritual significance. Comprehensive development of Vishnupad temple corridor and Mahabodhi Temple corridor will be supported, modelled on the successful Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor to transform them into world-class pilgrim and tourist destinations,” she said.

In her address, she also made announcements for development of Rajgir and Nalanda in Bihar. “Rajgir holds immense religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The 20th Tirthankara Munisuvrat temple in the Jain temple complex is ancient. The Saptarishi or the seven hot springs form a warm water Brahm Kund that is sacred. A comprehensive development initiative for Rajgir will be undertaken.

She added, “Our government will support the development of Nalanda as a tourist centre, besides reviving Nalanda university to its glorious stature.

Nalanda is also home to the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“Odisha’s stunning scenery, temples, monuments, craftsmanship, wildlife sanctuaries, natural landscapes, and pristine beaches make it an exceptional tourism destination. Our government will also provide support for the development of these attractions in Odisha,” Sitharaman stated.

These announcements come as the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee is being held in New Delhi. The session, which runs from July 21 to 31, was inaugurated on Sunday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Director General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, among the attendees.

ALSO READ: EXPLAINED: What Is A Budget And Why Does It Matter? Here’s Your Guide 

Ashish Kumar Singh

Recent Posts

Cal HC Upholds Single-Bench Order Order Allowing Doctor’s Protest In Esplanade

The Calcutta High Court's division bench upheld an earlier order permitting a demonstration by a…

11 mins ago

Tania Sachdev Calls For Greater Recognition Of Delhi’s Chess Players

Indian chess has been in the spotlight recently, with Gukesh D's victory in the FIDE…

12 mins ago

VIDEO: Singer Monali Thakur WALKS OUT Of Varanasi Concert| HERE’S WHY

Just 45 minutes into the show, Monali Thakur abruptly walked out, which left many people…

15 mins ago

“Sex With Dead Body Horrendous But Not Rape”: Chhattisgarh HC’s Necrophilia Ruling

The Chhattisgarh High Court has upheld the acquittal of Neelu Nagesh, accused of committing necrophilia…

26 mins ago

Mohamed Salah’s Record-Breaking Performance Keeps Liverpool On Top of Premier League Table

Salah became the first player in Premier League history to reach double figures for both…

31 mins ago

‘We Couldn’t Afford To Think About Danger’ 20-Year-Old Rakesh Saini Saves 30 Lives In Jaipur Farmhouse Fire

In a harrowing incident near the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway, a fire engulfed a temporary shelter…

43 mins ago