Lok Sabha Question No. 2419 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-04
Subject: Development of Tourism in Bhagalpur, Bihar
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Ajay Kumar Mandal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## 2419

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. † ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025

## DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN BHAGALPUR, BIHAR

## †2419. SHRI AJAY KUMAR MANDAL:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that Bhagalpur district of Bihar is famous  for  rich  cultural  heritage,  ancient  temples  and  religious places  like  Champa  Nagar,  Vikramshila,  Mahavihar  and  Bateshwar Sthan;
- (b) whether any special scheme/project has been initiated by the Government  to  promote  cultural  and  religious  tourism  in  Bhagalpur and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  any  special  efforts  are  being  made  to  bring  these  sites  on national/international tourist map;
- (d) whether  any  financial  assistance  is  being  provided  to  the  State Government  for  development  of  roads,  electricity,  drinking  water, accommodation and other basic facilities for pilgrims to these religious places; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

## ANSWER

(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a): Yes, Bhagalpur district of Bihar holds immense historical, cultural and religious significance.

(b) to (e):  Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products,  including  cultural  and  religious  tourism,  is  undertaken  by  the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration.

The  Ministry  complements  the  efforts  of  States/UTs  by  developing  and promoting various tourism products of the country, including cultural and religious tourism in Bhagalpur through various schemes and initiatives.

The Ministry of Tourism has not sanctioned any project in Bhagalpur, Bihar. However,  the  Ministry  has  sanctioned  various  projects  in  Bihar  under  its ongoing schemes, which are given in the Annexure. The major components under these projects includes tourist facilitation centres, parking development,  signages,  illumination,  solar  lights,  external  electrification, development  of  approach  roads,  basic  amenities  like  drinking  water  and toilet blocks, etc.

- *****

## ANNEXURE

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (b) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†2419 ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025 REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN BHAGALPUR, BIHAR RAISED BY SHRI AJAY KUMAR MANDAL

## List of Project under PRASHAD Scheme in Bihar

|   Sr. No. | Name of the Project                                              |   Amount Sanctioned (Rs. Crore) |
|-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
|         1 | Development at Patna Sahib                                       |                           29.62 |
|         2 | Development of basic facilities at Vishnupad temple, Gaya, Bihar |                            3.63 |
|         3 | Development of Ambika Bhawani Temple, Saran                      |                           13.29 |

## List of Projects under Swadesh Darshan Scheme in Bihar

|   Sr. No. | Circuit Name / Sanction Year   | Name of the Project                                                            |   Amount Sanctioned (Rs. Crore) |
|-----------|--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
|         1 | Tirthankar Circuit 2016-17     | Development of Vaishali- Arrah- Masad- Patna- Rajgir- Pawapuri- Champapuri     |                           33.96 |
|         2 | Spiritual Circuit 2016-17      | Development of Kanwaria Route: Sultanganj - Dharmshala- Deoghar                |                           44.76 |
|         3 | Buddhist Circuit 2016-17       | Development of Buddhist circuit- Construction of Convention Centre at Bodhgaya |                           95.18 |
|         4 | Rural Circuit 2017-18          | Development of Bhitiharwa- Chandrahia- Turkaulia                               |                           44.27 |
|         5 | Spiritual Circuit 2017-18      | Development of Mandar Hill & Ang Pradesh                                       |                           44.55 |

## List of Projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme in Bihar

|   Sr. No. | Destination   | Name of the Project                                                   |   Amount Sanctioned (Rs. Crore) |
|-----------|---------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
|         1 | Bodh Gaya     | Development of the Buddhist Meditation & Experience Centre, Bodh Gaya |                          165.44 |

## List of Projects sanctioned under Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), in Bihar

|   Sr. No. | Name of the Project                                             |   Sanctioned Cost (Rs. Crore) |
|-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|
|         1 | Development of Tourist Facilities at Sonepur Mela Ground, Saran |                         24.29 |

## List  of  Projects  sanctioned  under  Special  Assistance  to  States  for  Capital Investment (SASCI Scheme) in Bihar

|   Sr. No. | Name of the Project                                  |   Amount Sanctioned (Rs. Crore) |
|-----------|------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
|         1 | Development of Matsyagandha Lake in Saharsa          |                           97.61 |
|         2 | Karamchat Eco-Tourism and Adventure Hub in Karamchat |                           49.51 |

## List  of  Projects  sanctioned  under  'Assistance  to  Central  Agencies  for Infrastructure Development' in Bihar

|   Sr. No. | Name of the Project                                                                                                         |   Amount Sanctioned (Rs. Crore) |
|-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
|         1 | 3D Mapping with Aqua Screen Projection and Sound Show at Buxar, Bihar and Dynamic Lighting & Motif at Ram Rekha Ghat, Bihar |                            5.99 |
|         2 | Gaya Railway Station                                                                                                        |                            5.18 |

*****