12 Major Projects Pitched to Centre, Focusing on Buddhist Circuit, Forts, PRASAD Scheme, and Iconic Destinations
LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister, Jaiveer Singh, met with Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, today in New Delhi to discuss the comprehensive development of tourism in Uttar Pradesh. The meeting focused on enhancing facilities for tourists, both domestic and international, with detailed discussions on various projects and proposals.
The ministers deliberated on several key points, including the development of Kapilvastu within the Buddhist Circuit, tourism promotion around the Kalinjar and Talbehat forts, and the integrated tourism development project at Govardhan, Mathura, under the central government’s PRASAD scheme. A total of 12 major proposals were discussed during the meeting, which was also attended by Uttar Pradesh’s Principal Secretary for Tourism and Culture, Mukesh Kumar Meshram.
A major concern raised was the lack of an Indian immigration office at the Kakarhawa border, which poses difficulties for foreign tourists visiting Kapilvastu. It was proposed that the Union Ministry of Tourism request the Ministry of External Affairs to establish an office there to ensure smoother development of the Buddhist Circuit.
Minister Singh also proposed a plan to construct a grand stupa-like building at Piprahwa in Siddhartha Nagar district to house the Buddhist remains and relics that were recently returned to India in 2025 after being withdrawn from an auction in Hong Kong. This initiative aims to not only attract tourists from places like Lumbini but also to internationally reinforce India’s claim of Kapilvastu’s location.
To facilitate pilgrims and visitors, a proposal was made to make entry free at the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple within the Kalinjar Fort in Banda, particularly during the holy month of Shravan and other major festivals. A letter has been sent to the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) requesting this change. The need to transfer the Kalinjar and Talbehat forts to the state government for tourism development was also highlighted.
The report also noted that many ancient mounds in Uttar Pradesh are being destroyed during the construction of expressways because their archaeological significance is unknown. It was proposed that these sites be identified for large-scale excavation by universities and archaeological institutions.
Under the PRASAD scheme, integrated tourism projects in Varanasi have been completed, and assets developed in Govardhan (Mathura) have been handed over to the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation and the Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad for maintenance.
Significant progress has also been made on a proposed Sound and Light Show at Fatehpur Sikri in Agra. The project’s script has been sent to the ASI for approval, a move expected to enhance cultural tourism in the state.
Additionally, proposals were made for the development of cultural complexes in Gautam Buddh Nagar and Lucknow under the Tagore Cultural Complex Scheme. Several other proposals were sent to the central government for approval under the Museum Grant Scheme, including plans for modernizing and developing museums in Lucknow and Mathura with interactive experience zones.
The meeting concluded with a request for the Union government to approve more than two projects for Uttar Pradesh under the Iconic Destination scheme for 2025-26, given the state’s vast size and cultural significance.
