Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary chaired a review meeting of the Tourism Department in Patna on June 14, 2026. Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
By A Correspondent
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday said that the state must be placed firmly on the global tourism map by strengthening infrastructure and revitalising its religious and historical sites. He made the remarks while chairing a high-level review meeting of the Tourism Department at the ‘Sankalp Sabhagar’ in Lok Sevak Awas. The meeting focused on ongoing projects and future plans to enhance tourism across the state.
Tourism Department Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh presented a detailed update on various schemes and development work underway at major tourist destinations. The Chief Minister stressed that projects in key locations such as Rajgir, Gayaji and Nalanda must be completed within set deadlines.
Highlighting Bihar’s rich cultural heritage, Samat Choudhary called for concerted efforts to give it global recognition. He directed officials to introduce subsidised helicopter services for tourists visiting Maa Mundeshwari Temple, Karkatgarh Waterfall and Rajgir. In addition, affordable weekend air services to Valmikinagar are expected to begin soon.
To improve visitor experience, the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation will launch an end-to-end service covering travel from Patna to various destinations. The Chief Minister also instructed authorities to expedite work on the Vishnupad Temple Corridor and Mahabodhi Temple Corridor projects.
Choudhary announced plans to upgrade facilities in Rajgir and develop it as a Global Centre of Spiritual Learning, given its historical importance. Nalanda’s global identity will also be revived and strengthened, with a special integrated package to reposition it as a global hub of knowledge and culture.
The government will encourage investment through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and prepare a special development plan for Pawapuri Temple. Rural tourism initiatives and a large-scale homestay policy will also be promoted to boost local employment and showcase Bihar’s traditional hospitality.
Senior officials, including Principal Secretary Deepak Kumar and Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit, attended the meeting.
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