Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary reviews Vishnupad Temple corridor project in Patna. Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
By A Correspondent
Patna: A high-level review meeting on the Vishnupad Temple Corridor Project was held at the Main Secretariat on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. Officials presented a detailed plan outlining the proposed development of the Vishnupad Temple complex in Gaya and its surrounding areas.
According to the presentation, the project envisages the construction of 694 structures within the Vishnupad Temple zone. These will include commercial shops, vehicle parking facilities, shelters for devotees and those performing pind daan, development and beautification of the Falgu River ghats, expansion of riverfront stretches from the temple to Manpur, and development of the Sita Kund area. The total estimated cost of the project is around ₹2,390 crore.
The plan also provides for parking at three locations, accommodating up to 750 four-wheelers and 20 buses. A 108-foot mixed-metal statue of Lord Vishnu will be installed in the Falgu River between the Vishnupad Temple and Sita Kund. A dedicated pedestrian pathway will be constructed to enable easy access to the statue. Additionally, 24 shelters are proposed, each with seating capacity for 20 people.
A walk-through model showcasing the completed layout and infrastructure under the corridor project was presented to the Chief Minister.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that the Vishnupad Temple complex, the riverfront along the Falgu, and adjoining areas are developed in a manner that facilitates smooth and convenient access for devotees to the main temple. He emphasised that a large number of pilgrims, including those arriving from across the country and abroad for *pind daan*, visit the site annually, and the project must be executed keeping their needs in mind.
He further instructed that the pedestrian pathway between the Vishnupad Temple and Sita Kund should be at least 20 feet wide to prevent congestion. Adequate parking facilities must also be ensured. The development work should prioritise the safety and convenience of pilgrims and visitors.
Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav, along with senior officials including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and representatives of the Tourism Department, were present at the meeting.
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