Patna: The Bihar government is working on a multi-dimensional strategy to establish the state as a prominent tourism destination at the national and international level, Tourism Minister Kedar Prasad Gupta said on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference at the Information and Public Relations Department’s dialogue hall, the minister said the government is focusing on strengthening tourism infrastructure, developing religious and cultural destinations, improving visitor facilities and encouraging investment in the tourism sector.
He said several long-term and planned initiatives taken by the Tourism Department are showing positive results.
Bihar Records Over 6.62 Crore Tourist Visits in 2025
Highlighting the growth of tourism in the state, Kedar Prasad Gupta said Bihar witnessed the arrival of 6 crore 62 lakh 12 thousand 415 tourists in 2025.
He added that tourism momentum continued in 2026, with 3 crore 42 lakh 34 thousand 761 tourists visiting Bihar till May 2026.
According to the minister, the rising number of visitors reflects growing confidence in Bihar’s tourism potential and the state’s improving tourism ecosystem.
Over ₹1,300 Crore Approved for Tourism Projects in FY 2025-26
The Tourism Minister informed that the state government has approved tourism development projects worth more than ₹1,301 crore under the state plan scheme during the financial year 2025-26.
He also said that under the Pragati Yatra-2025 announcements, 36 tourism-related projects worth ₹2,710.31 crore are being implemented on a priority basis.
These projects aim to improve infrastructure, connectivity and facilities at important tourist destinations across Bihar.
Major Religious and Cultural Sites to Get Infrastructure Upgrades
The Bihar government is developing several important religious and cultural destinations to improve the experience of pilgrims and tourists.
Key locations undergoing development include:
- Punauradham (birthplace of Goddess Sita)
- Baba Hariharnath Temple, Sonpur
- Rajgir
- Valmikinagar
- Phulhar
- Singheshwar
- Kusheshwarsthan
- Patna Haat
- Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib
The projects focus on improving tourist facilities, infrastructure and overall destination development.
New Tourism Schemes Approved for 2026-27
The Bihar government has approved several new schemes for the financial year 2026-27 to enhance tourism services and create employment opportunities.
The major initiatives include:
- Mukhyamantri Homestay Promotion Scheme
- Sindhu Darshan Pilgrimage Financial Assistance Scheme
- Mukhyamantri Bihar Heli-Tourism and Air Tourism Service Scheme
The minister said these schemes will provide better facilities to tourists while generating new livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Preparations Underway for Shravan Mela 2026
The Tourism Department is making extensive arrangements for Shravan Mela 2026 in districts including Bhagalpur, Banka and Munger.
To improve facilities for devotees, the government is preparing:
- Tent cities
- Information centres
- Lighting arrangements
- Theme-based entrance gates
- Laser shows
- Drone shows
- Barricading facilities
- Health services
- Administrative support systems
The preparations aim to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for pilgrims visiting during the religious festival.
Tourism Development Linked with Employment and Cultural Preservation
During the event, the Tourism Department’s magazine ‘Yayavar’ was also released.
Special Secretary-cum-Director of Tourism Department Udayan Mishra said the Bihar government is connecting tourism development with local employment generation, cultural preservation and economic empowerment.
He added that the department is working under a time-bound action plan to transform Bihar into a safe, modern and world-class tourism destination.
Bihar’s Tourism Sector Poised for Growth
With increased tourist arrivals, large-scale infrastructure projects and new tourism initiatives, Bihar is aiming to strengthen its position as a major destination for religious, cultural and heritage tourism.
The government’s focus on modern facilities, investment promotion and sustainable tourism development is expected to create new opportunities for the state’s economy and local communities.
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