TTT NEWS NETWORK
PATNA | 25 NOVEMBER 2025
On Tuesday, Shri Arun Shankar Prasad assumed charge as the Tourism Minister at the Department of Tourism office located in the Main Secretariat. The new Minister was welcomed by Tourism Secretary Shri Lokesh Kumar Singh, Managing Director of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation Shri Nand Kishore, Tourism Director–cum–Special Secretary Shri Udyan Mishra, along with other senior departmental officials.
After assuming charge in his office chamber, the Tourism Minister addressed the media and said that Bihar is renowned not only in India but across the world for its rich cultural traditions, heritage, and sacred sites of all religions. Various tourism circuits of the state—such as the Buddhist Circuit, Jain Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Sufi Circuit, and Eco Circuit—hold a unique and distinguished place in the country. The government will remain committed to ensuring that tourists face no difficulties during their visits and that their numbers continue to increase. He added that, as travelers ourselves, we must always consider what facilities a tourist needs, what challenges they face, and what basic requirements must be ensured; with this mindset, efforts will be made to further improve the Tourism Department. The department is already actively working in this direction.
He further said that several major tourism-related projects have been approved under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar during the progress review tour. These include the grand temple at Punauradham in Sitamarhi, the birthplace of Goddess Janaki, the Sonepur Hariharkshetra Corridor, the Vishnupad Temple Corridor in Gaya, the Mahabodhi Corridor, the Bodh Gaya Meditation Centre, and many more. Work is ongoing on these projects, and completing all of them at the earliest will be a priority. In particular, timely completion of the approved temple complex at the birthplace of Goddess Sita will be the highest priority. Additionally, the department aims to facilitate the construction of five-star hotels in Patna, Rajgir, Nalanda, and Vaishali. Construction of ropeways at various scenic tourist locations is also in progress, and the department will emphasize completing them soon.
He added that there is a common perception that fewer tourists visit Bihar, but this is not true. In 2024, around 6.60 crore domestic and international tourists visited Bihar, while more than 5.10 crore tourists have already visited the state by September this year. Bihar ranks among the top 10 states in the country in terms of tourist arrivals, and the goal is to reach the top 5 in the next five years.
It is a matter of joy that tourists are now staying at various locations in the state and experiencing pleasant visits. Blessed with abundant tourism assets, Bihar has immense potential for the growth of the tourism industry. The state government’s priority is to make tourism employment-oriented by developing tourist spots and ensuring proper management of basic amenities for visitors. The Bihar Tourism Policy is not only progressive in this regard but also includes provisions for attractive subsidies for investments in the tourism sector. The Tourism Department will continue its efforts to provide better facilities, support, and joyful travel experiences for tourists visiting the state.
All departmental officers and staff were present on this occasion.
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