The development includes the enhancement of facilities at 1620 religious tourism spots, incorporating 140 projects that involve ghats and pilgrimage routes
The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has embarked on a significant INR 4415.55 crore initiative to develop spiritual, mythological, and religious sites across the state. Starting from the fiscal year 2017-18 to 2023-24, foundational amenities have been established at key tourist destinations, anticipating the growing influx of domestic and international visitors.
The development includes the enhancement of facilities at 1620 religious tourism spots, incorporating 140 projects that involve ghats and pilgrimage routes. Proposals for these initiatives have been received from legislators, Members of Parliament, and other public representatives. The projects are underway in various locations including Ayodhya, Vindhyachal Mirzapur, Naimisharanya Sitapur, Prayagraj, Maa Shakumbhari Devi Saharanpur and Shukratal Muzaffarnagar.
Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, mentioned about the major tourism development projects undertaken over the last 7 years. In Ayodhya district, tourism development projects underway include establishing tourist facilities along the Chaudah Kosi Marg at a cost of INR 12.10 crore. Additionally, restoration and tourism infrastructure development work amounting to INR 19.19 crore are being carried out at 14 religious tourism sites such as Rishabh Sarabh Panaas Temple, Siyaram Fort, Digambar Akhara, Tulsi Chowk Temple, Kausalya Ghat Temple, Kaleram Temple, Nepali Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Vishwakarma Temple, Chhoti Devkali Temple, Mayur Temple, Bharat Mahal Temple, Ram Gulela Temple and Hanuman Temple.
Moreover, tourism development and construction work worth INR 17.72 crore is focused on the Kundas along the Chaurasi Kosi Parikrama Marg, while similar efforts costing INR 18.29 crore are targeted at tourism sites along the Chaudah Kosi Parikrama Marg. Furthermore, pilgrimage centers (Ashrams) along these routes are undergoing tourism development and construction work totaling INR 17.56 crore along with work worth INR 18.76 crore for the Panchakosi Parikrama Marg. Restoration and tourism infrastructure development projects amounting to INR 34.10 crore are being undertaken at 16 pilgrimage sites.
In Prayagraj district, tourism development at Maharshi Bhardwaj Ashram located at Balsan Chauraha is underway with a budget of INR 13.35 crore. The tourism development of Nishadaraj Park in Shringaverpur Dham, Prayagraj, is being undertaken at a cost of INR 42.51 crore. In Mirzapur district, the construction of the Vindhya Corridor is progressing at a cost of INR 128.95 crore. Enhancement of pilgrim facilities and corridor construction worth INR 47.96 crores is taking place near Lalita Devi Temple in Naimisharanya, Sitapur.
Under the Overall Tourism Development Plan, the Panchakosi Parikrama Yatra Path is being developed with INR 41.20 crore and an additional INR 24.32 crore is allocated for tourism development in Varanasi. In Mathura, a sound and light show along with seating arrangements for spectators is being constructed at the Shri Krishna Janmasthan at a cost of INR 15.86 crore. Additionally, the projects include development of the Barsana Parikrama Marg, Vasudev Vatika in Mathura, strengthening of the pilgrimage route and tourism facilities at Maa Shakumbhari Devi Shaktipeeth, the elevation of Ganga Ghat at Shukratal Dham, among others.
