Narayan Prasad, Minister of Tourism, Government of Bihar, shares his vision for tourism in the state in an exclusive conversation for T3
Bihar Tourism is in the midst of massive infra boost, from cabin ropeways and skywalks to hotels, convention center, and more. Bihar Tourism Minister sheds some light in an exclusive chat
Probably the most challenging of his assignments in his decades of political career, Narayan Prasad came to the saddle as Bihar’s Minister of Tourism in late 2020 in the middle of a raging Coronavirus pandemic that has devastated travel and tourism and other industries alike all over the world. He was tasked with the revival of the sector that had suffered the most. Soon after, the devastating second wave that struck the country around March 2021 and continued until August 2021 brought any hope of revival to a standstill.
However, the Minister has big plans for Bihar Tourism. The pandemic gave him opportunity to closely study and identify the gaps in tourism infrastructure in the state and there has been a spate of infra boost to Bihar Tourism under his stewardship. “I took over as Minister of Tourism of Bihar just before the devastating second wave. Things were under lockdowns, and we could barely function, but I used the time to reflect and closely study all the tourism sites in Bihar, their state of upkeep, opportunity and potential, scope of upgradation, and how they can contribute in employment and job creation. And then we set out to do just that, fill the infrastructure gap. And I am proud to say that we have accomplished much, but at the same time there are so much more to do, and we are doing just that,” says a passionate Narayan Prasad, Minister of Tourism, Government of Bihar, in his exclusive conversation for T3.
As home to some of the most coveted tourist sites, Rajgir has huge potential for Bihar. How’s Bihar Tourism exploiting this opportunity?
Rajgir has important Buddhist sites as the area was visited by Lord Buddha during his lifetime. It also has remnants of the powerful Mauryan Empire strewn all over the area. Rajgir has been a major tourist center of Bihar for a long time. But the Rajgir of today has witnessed several new additions that has significantly enhanced its tourism attractiveness. Earlier there was single-chair ropeway that took tourists to World Peace Pagoda atop Ratnagiri Hills. Now we have also added state-of-the-art eight-seater cabin ropeway last year with an investment of 19 crore. There are 18 cabins in the ropeway.
Besides, we have, with support from Forest and Environment departments, also started a Wildlife (Zoo) Safari and Nature Safari in the surrounding forest area that has inmates like Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Bear and Deers, among others. We have also added one of the country’s first glass bridge skywalks in Rajgir or order to facilitate Nature Safari for tourists from India and abroad. The skywalk also offers air cycling and other such sports to adventure enthusiasts looking for thrilling experiences. We are developing Rajgir as a world-class eco-tourism and adventure hotspot.
The de facto tourism capital of Bihar and home to one of the two UNESCO World Heritage sites in the state, Gaya is the Mecca of Buddhism. What are you doing to enhance Gaya-Bodh Gaya’s tourist appeal?
The state government has huge plans to enhance visitors experience in Gaya-Bodh Gaya area and some of them are reaching fruition as we speak. On connectivity front Gaya already has a functional airport but that needs to be upgraded. We are already involved with matter in order for Gaya airport to expand and upgrade and offer world-class look and feel and experience. Furthermore, we now have a world-class convention center with auditorium, separate dining area, VVIP lounge, multiple halls, park and dedicated parking area in Bodh Gaya, developed at a cost 145 crore, that was commissioned last month on Bihar Diwas. Along with the convention center we are also building 110 room five-star hotel that is being developed at a cost of 136 crore with different categories of room. Once ready, it will house high level visiting national and international dignitaries as well as tourists.
What about other such destinations with Buddhist attraction for tourists in the state?
There are some major developments at Vaishali and Kesariya, some of the other prominent Buddhist destinations in Bihar, also. Vaishali is associated with Lord Buddha’s visits and stay as well as his last sermon and such events from his life. We are bringing light and sound show there and Rs 4 crore has already been allocated for the same. In Kesariya, another important Buddhist site in the state, we have developed hotel accommodation and the last mile connectivity for the convenience of Buddhist pilgrims and tourists.
Pilgrimage tourism presents a huge potential. What are you doing to develop this vertical?
We are doing a lot to develop pilgrimage tourism. One of the government’s ambitious projects is to bring Ganga water to the Falgu river that flows through Gaya and this will soon be a reality. Gaya is visited by millions of Hindus from across the country during Pitripiksha Mela for the salvation of the souls of their departed loved ones and this will have a huge impact on pilgrimage tourism there. Besides, the famous centuries old Vishnupath Mandir in Gaya is also poised for comprehensive all-round development. The Falgu river will also have a big Buddha statue in due course. Besides we are also trying to identify ancient sites and temples in the nearby areas that we want to develop, and projects have been sanctioned too.
Also, Patna is home to one of the holiest shrines, Takht Shri Patna Sahib, in Sikhhism. We have already built a hall to accommodate Sikh pilgrims at a cost of 165 crore, and now we have sanctioned 13 crore for a light and sound show at the shrine and are also developing pathways there. Besides, other tourism aspects of Patna is also being developed.
