by Suresh Pd Nikhar
Gaya: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a transformative plan for Bihar in her budget speech on Tuesday. A substantial Rs 26,000 crore package has been allocated for road infrastructure, aimed at enhancing connectivity across the state.
The budget highlights the development of Rajgir’s Saptarishi Corridor and plans to elevate Bihar’s renowned religious-tourist sites, including the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, into prominent global tourism corridors akin to the Kashi Vishwanath corridor.
Sitharaman emphasized that Rajgir and Nalanda will be developed into major global tourism hubs. The central government is committed to making India a premier tourist destination, with special focus on these regions due to their unique global significance.
The budget also includes the revival of Nalanda University, with a special package for its enhancement, and the development of Gaya as an industrial center. Key infrastructure projects include new expressways, such as the Buxar-Bhagalpur and Patna-Purnia expressways, and new bridges over the Ganga. Additionally, new airports will be established to attract international tourists.
Further, road connectivity projects in Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Vaishali, and Darbhanga will bolster tourism in these areas, known for their historical and cultural significance. This comprehensive initiative aims to leverage Bihar’s rich heritage, including its historical monuments, temples, forests, and world heritage sites, to boost tourism and economic growth.