The Ministry of Tourism with an objective to create tourism infrastructure in the country, provides financial assistance to the State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations/ Central Agencies under its schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD). The Ministry under ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme has sanctioned   5 projects under Buddhist circuit theme including 1 project in Uttar Pradesh.  In addition, another project ‘Development of Wayside Amenities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar’ for an amount of Rs. 17.93 Crore at Varanasi-Gaya; Lucknow-Ayodhya- Lucknow; Gorakhpur Kushinagar;Kushinagar - Gaya Kushinagar routes has  also  been  sanctioned.  Under PRASHAD scheme of the Ministry of Tourism, components of Sound and Light Show at Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath at a cost of Rs. 7.34 Crore and Buddha Theme Park, Sarnath, at a cost of Rs. 2.20 Crore have also been sanctioned in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Prime Minister inaugurated the Kushinagar International Airport on 20th October 2021 which will enhance connectivity to the region. In addition, an Action Plan has been formulated with a view to evolve a coordinated strategy for "Revival of India as a Global Centre of Buddhist Culture and Tourism with Special Focus on Bodhgaya”. The Action Plan includes interventions under 4 verticals: i) Connectivity; ii) Infrastructure and Logistics; iii) Cultural Heritage, Research & Education; and iv) Public Awareness, Communication & Outreach and the Ministry of Tourism has been made the nodal Ministry for monitoring the implementation of the Action Plan.

The Ministry of Tourism as part of its ongoing promotional activities undertakes holistic promotion of various tourist destinations including Buddhist sites of the country, in the domestic and international markets.

This information was given by Minister of Tourism Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

*******

NB/OA