Bihar’s government has secured significant funding to enhance the Buddhist Circuit, aiming to transform sites like Bodh Gaya and Nalanda into global pilgrimage hubs. The initiative includes infrastructure upgrades, improved connectivity, and eco-friendly amenities to attract international tourists. This move is expected to boost the local economy, create jobs, and promote Bihar’s rich spiritual heritage.
Bihar’s Ambitious Plan to Revitalize Buddhist Tourism
On June 17, 2025, the Bihar government announced a substantial financial allocation aimed at bolstering the Buddhist Circuit, a network of sacred sites linked to the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. This initiative, backed by both state and central government support, seeks to position Bihar as a premier global destination for spiritual and cultural tourism. The funds, reportedly in the range of several hundred crores, will focus on upgrading key pilgrimage sites, including Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, and Nalanda, which are integral to the Buddhist Circuit.
The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will see significant development, with plans to create a world-class corridor modeled on the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor in Varanasi. This includes enhanced infrastructure, such as improved roads, better public transport options, and modern amenities for pilgrims and tourists. Bodh Gaya, where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, attracts millions of visitors annually from countries like Japan, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. The government aims to streamline access to the site with better connectivity, including auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and buses from nearby Gaya town.
Rajgir, known for its Jain temples and hot springs, is another focal point of the initiative. The state plans to promote it as a hub for religious and wellness tourism, with investments in eco-friendly accommodations and enhanced visitor facilities. Similarly, Nalanda, home to the ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, will undergo comprehensive development to restore its historical prominence. The project includes plans to improve signage, accessibility, and landscaping to enhance the tourist experience.
The funding also extends to improving connectivity across the Buddhist Circuit. The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC), established in 1980, will play a pivotal role in implementing these upgrades. Efforts are underway to enhance road networks, with seamless coordination between state and central authorities to address regulatory inconsistencies that have previously hindered tourism development. For instance, permits for tourist vehicles will be streamlined to ensure smoother travel across sites like Vaishali and Patna, which house significant Buddhist relics, including a terracotta urn said to contain the ashes of Lord Buddha.
The initiative aligns with the central government’s Swadesh Darshan scheme, which has already sanctioned projects worth over ₹325 crore for Buddhist Circuit development across multiple states, including Bihar. The scheme emphasizes theme-based tourism circuits, with Bihar’s Buddhist trail being a priority due to its historical and spiritual significance. Additionally, the state is exploring partnerships with international organizations, such as the World Bank and the Japanese government, to secure further funding and expertise for these projects.
Local stakeholders, including tour operators and hospitality providers, have welcomed the move, citing its potential to generate employment and boost the local economy. The development is expected to create jobs in sectors like transportation, hospitality, and guided tours, particularly for the youth. However, industry insiders have urged the government to address challenges like GST levies and regulatory hurdles to maximize the initiative’s impact.
The focus on the Buddhist Circuit also aims to tap into the growing global interest in spiritual tourism. With over 500 million Buddhists worldwide, only a fraction currently visit South Asia’s key Buddhist sites. By enhancing infrastructure and promoting Bihar as the cradle of Buddhism, the state hopes to attract a larger share of international pilgrims, particularly from Southeast Asian nations. The government is also leveraging digital platforms and international tourism fairs to market the Buddhist Circuit, with plans to produce promotional films and host conclaves to showcase Bihar’s heritage.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, government announcements, and information from reliable sources such as the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation and the Ministry of Tourism. The data reflects developments as of June 17, 2025, and may be subject to change as projects progress.