📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Surajkumar12111
Religion
Bihar CM Samrat Chaudhary Announces Rs 3,500 Crore Vishnupad Corridor to Boost Gaya Pilgrimage
✍️ Amar Ujala · Gaya
🗓 25 Sep 2026, 07:36 PM
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At the inauguration of the 2026 Pitripaksh Mela, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary unveiled a Rs 3,500 crore plan to create a Vishnupad Corridor and ensure year‑round flow in the Falgu River, aiming to link Gulf countries with Gaya and increase religious tourism.
Bihar's chief minister, Samrat Chaudhary, used the opening ceremony of the 2026 Pitripaksh Mela to announce a major infrastructure push for the holy city of Gaya. The proposal earmarks Rs 3,500 crore for a Vishnupad Corridor that will streamline pilgrim movement around the iconic Vishnupad Temple.
In addition to the corridor, the plan includes measures to maintain a continuous flow of water in the Falgu River throughout the year, addressing seasonal shortages that have affected ritual bathing sites. Officials say the sustained water supply will enhance the sanctity of the river for devotees.
A distinctive feature of the scheme is the intention to create direct links with Gulf nations, facilitating easier travel for the large Indian diaspora and other foreign pilgrims residing there. The government expects the combined initiatives to significantly raise visitor numbers and generate ancillary economic benefits for the region.
State tourism and religious affairs departments have been tasked with detailed project design and will seek central assistance where required. The rollout is slated to begin after detailed feasibility studies, with construction expected to span several years.
If implemented as outlined, the Vishnupad Corridor and river‑flow project could position Gaya as a premier pilgrimage hub, complementing existing sites such as Bodh Gaya and attracting a broader international audience.
In addition to the corridor, the plan includes measures to maintain a continuous flow of water in the Falgu River throughout the year, addressing seasonal shortages that have affected ritual bathing sites. Officials say the sustained water supply will enhance the sanctity of the river for devotees.
A distinctive feature of the scheme is the intention to create direct links with Gulf nations, facilitating easier travel for the large Indian diaspora and other foreign pilgrims residing there. The government expects the combined initiatives to significantly raise visitor numbers and generate ancillary economic benefits for the region.
State tourism and religious affairs departments have been tasked with detailed project design and will seek central assistance where required. The rollout is slated to begin after detailed feasibility studies, with construction expected to span several years.
If implemented as outlined, the Vishnupad Corridor and river‑flow project could position Gaya as a premier pilgrimage hub, complementing existing sites such as Bodh Gaya and attracting a broader international audience.