Bihar approves ₹3,516 crore Vishnupad Temple development plan

The Bihar Cabinet has given the green light to a ₹3,516 crore development initiative focused on enhancing infrastructure and amenities around the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya district, one of Hinduism's most significant pilgrimage sites. The project also encompasses establishing a physical connection with the Son-Falgu river, which holds religious importance for devotees visiting the temple.

The approval came as part of a broader policy agenda at a Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, where a total of 17 decisions were ratified. Government officials have indicated that the Vishnupad Temple development project aims to improve facilities for the large number of pilgrims who visit the site annually while promoting sustainable tourism in the region.

In a separate but significant move, the Cabinet also approved a memorandum of understanding between the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, Airports Authority of India (AAI), and the state government. The MOU is designed to facilitate expansion of air connectivity to Bihar, potentially improving accessibility to key destinations across the state and boosting economic activity in the region.

The dual focus on religious site development and aviation infrastructure reflects the state government's strategy to combine heritage preservation with modern infrastructure expansion. Officials indicated that the initiatives align with broader goals to position Bihar as a major pilgrimage and tourism destination while enhancing its connectivity within South Asia.