Budget 2024: Govt to boost tourism, major focus on Bihar and Odisha

Budget 2024: FM Nirmala Sitharaman said the government will support the development of Nalanda as a tourist centre besides reviving Nalanda University.

By  Mansi JaswalJul 23, 2024 2:11 PM
Budget 2024: Govt to boost tourism, major focus on Bihar and Odisha
Budget 2024: FM Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Vishnupad Temple Corridor (in Gaya) and Mahabodhi Temple Corridor would be supported and modeled on the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her 7th budget speech gave a boost to "religious tourism" under the Centre's PRASAD scheme. The Finance Minister announced that the Vishnupad Temple Corridor (in Gaya) and Mahabodhi Temple Corridor would be supported and modeled on the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor.

Further, Sitharaman said that the government will take a "comprehensive development initiative" for Rajgir which holds significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains.

"The 20th Tirthankara Munisuvrata temple in the Jain Temple complex is ancient. The Saptharishi or the 7 hotsprings form a warm water Brahmakund that is sacred. A comprehensive development initiative for Rajgir will be undertaken," FM Sitharaman said in Parliament today.

Further, the FM said the government will support the development of Nalanda as a tourist centre besides reviving Nalanda University.

Sitharaman said the the Centre will also assist in Odisha for developing a tourism destination.

Aloke Bajpai, Chairman, Managing Director & Group CEO, ixigo lauded the government's initiative towards spiritual tourism. Bajpai said, "We saw a 40-50% increase in demand for spiritual tourism last year, for destinations like Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Tirupati. The government’s PRASAD Scheme has led to a remarkable transformation in Varanasi's tourism sector, attracting an unprecedented 100 million visitors to Kashi Vishwanath Dham after the corridor project completion."

Bajpai further said, "We expect a similar boost in tourism to Bihar and Odisha with spiritual tourism corridors coming up for Vishnupad Temple and Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, along with comprehensive initiatives for Rajgir, Nalanda, and Odisha. We expect this to benefit our large next billion user (NBU) base which predominantly relies on buses and trains to access these spiritual towns, and where our market share continues to improve across modes of transport."

The Centre launched the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive) Scheme in 2014 under the Ministry of Tourism which focuses on developing and identifying different pilgrimages to promote religious tourism in the country.

First Published on Jul 23, 2024 2:11 PM

More from Storyboard18

Digital

Mumbai Police issue third summons to Kunal Kamra, ask him to appear on April 5

Mumbai Police issue third summons to Kunal Kamra, ask him to appear on April 5

Digital

CBI must work with startups to combat AI-driven crimes, says Vaishnaw

CBI must work with startups to combat AI-driven crimes, says Vaishnaw

How it Works

SEBI’s ID mandate for intermediary ads welcomed, but industry seeks stronger AI oversight

SEBI’s ID mandate for intermediary ads welcomed, but industry seeks stronger AI oversight

Gaming

Quick Commerce or Quick cash? Zepto’s promotion of illegal betting firm Parimatch

Quick Commerce or Quick cash? Zepto’s promotion of illegal betting firm Parimatch

Brand Marketing

Google to pay $100 million to settle 14-year-old ad lawsuit

Google to pay $100 million to settle 14-year-old ad lawsuit

Digital

OpenAI seeks $40 Billion in new funding to drive AI expansion

OpenAI seeks $40 Billion in new funding to drive AI expansion

Special Coverage

WPP drops DEI language amid U.S. scrutiny, while Ogilvy global CEO champions representation and purpose

WPP drops DEI language amid U.S. scrutiny, while Ogilvy global CEO champions representation and purpose

Special Coverage

Krafton's Srinjoy Das at GPS 2025: Future of gaming marketing is symbiotic, social, and surprise-driven

Krafton's Srinjoy Das at GPS 2025: Future of gaming marketing is symbiotic, social, and surprise-driven