Patna: To speed up development plans for Bihar’s key religious and tourism sites, tourism minister Kedarnath Gupta met Union tourism and culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday. He requested early consideration and in-principle approval for proposals sent by Bihar govt under Union Budget announcement 2024-25, so that development work at important tourist destinations can begin in a time-bound manner.During the meeting, state minister briefed Union minister about the comprehensive development plan prepared for Gaya-Bodh Gaya and Nalanda-Rajgir.Minister Gupta said, “The Bihar govt has prepared a development plan of Rs1,080 crore for Gaya-Bodh Gaya and Rs1,050 crore for Nalanda-Rajgir. Detailed baseline analysis reports for both projects have also been submitted to the central govt.”Under the Gaya-Bodh Gaya development plan, proposals for a Heritage Haat at Bodh Gaya and an International Food Court have also been submitted to the Centre. These projects aim to provide better facilities to domestic and foreign tourists visiting Bodh Gaya, while also promoting local art, culture and cuisine.In addition, a project proposal worth about Rs12.16 crore, for the development of Simaria Ghat in Begusarai district under Swadesh Darshan Scheme has already been sent to central govt. Approval for this is currently awaited.Tourism minister urged Union minister to take a quick decision on all proposals submitted by Bihar govt and grant in-principle approval.
