By Tajdar H Zaidi
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled an ambitious plan to invest a substantial amount of ₹4,200 crore for the development of the Buddhist Circuit, aiming to enhance religious and spiritual tourism across the state. This initiative seeks to attract both domestic and international visitors who are interested in exploring the rich Buddhist heritage of Uttar Pradesh.
The proposed Buddhist Circuit will focus on six key historical and religious sites that hold immense significance in Buddhism. These locations include Sarnath, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Kaushambi, and Sankisa. These sites have been integral to Buddhist history, as they are associated with various events in the life of Lord Buddha and his teachings.
According to Uttar Pradesh’s Minister for Tourism and Culture, Jaiveer Singh, the development of the Buddhist Circuit will be carried out in two distinct phases. The first phase of the project will involve an investment of ₹2,220 crore, which will be allocated towards the enhancement of infrastructure and tourism-related facilities in Sarnath, Kushinagar, Shravasti, and Kapilvastu. These locations are among the most frequently visited Buddhist sites in India and hold deep historical significance, drawing pilgrims and scholars from around the world.
The second phase of the project will focus on further development at the remaining two Buddhist sites—Kaushambi and Sankisa. These locations, though less frequently visited compared to the others, are equally significant in Buddhist history and have the potential to become major tourist attractions once necessary improvements are made.
To secure funding for this massive undertaking, the Uttar Pradesh government has already prepared and submitted a Preliminary Project Report (PPR) to the central government for approval. The primary source of funding for the project will come from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which is expected to provide financial assistance to support the state’s vision of transforming these Buddhist heritage sites into world-class tourist destinations.
By implementing this large-scale development project, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to improve infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and introduce various modern amenities at these religious sites. The project is expected to significantly boost tourism, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the overall economic growth of the region, while also preserving and promoting the rich Buddhist heritage of the state.
With this investment, Uttar Pradesh is poised to strengthen its position as a major religious tourism hub, drawing visitors from across India and abroad who seek to immerse themselves in the spiritual and historical legacy of Buddhism.
