Seeing the penetration of internet and technology in today’s era, the Bihar Tourism Ministry has created a 360 degree Virtual Tour of Bihar which was released on August 15, revealed Sunil Kumar Pintu, Tourism Minister of Bihar said. Bihar Tourism recently organised an interactive session with airlines’ representatives to explore the option of starting air services to Bodh Gaya. The session was organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI).
Addressing the session, Pintu said, “We are ready to offer all sorts of concessions to airlines. We are willing to reduce taxes on ATF and also look into airport charges. We want to know what airlines need to connect Bodh Gaya.” Elaborating on Bihar’s offer, D. K. Srivastav, Director (Tourism), Bihar informed that last winter there were 46 international weekly flights to Gaya.
Representatives of airlines such as Jet Airways, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Kingfisher shared their view points. While Jet Airways asked for underwriting the 50 per cent seats as an option, other airlines expressed their inability to start services to Bodh Gaya as of now. They were of the opinion that there has not been much traffic to Bodh Gaya, except for the season, offering no financial viability.
Pintu also crticised the Union Tourism Ministry for not supporting the state in promotion of Bihar as a tourism destination. Subodh Kant Sahai did not buy his theory. “This is just a political statement. I have contacted Bihar Chief Minister’s Office thrice asking them to send a Detailed Project Report on launching an integrated Buddhist circuit in India. I am yet to get response from them,” Sahai said exclusively to T3.
Susmita Shekhar, Secretary General, PHDCCI, was of the opinion that the Government of India must focus on potential states like Bihar for an inclusive growth.
