Lucknow: UP govt is looking beyond marquee destinations such as Kushinagar to develop an integrated network of Buddhist, religious and cultural attractions across eastern UP.Govt plans to develop the Buddha Gaman Marg, a tourism corridor tracing the route associated with Lord Buddha’s journey through the region. The project envisages creating visitor infrastructure at six identified halt points to encourage pilgrims and foreign tourists to explore destinations beyond the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Kushinagar.Progress of the project was reviewed by additional chief secretary (tourism and culture) Amrit Abhijat on Wednesday. He also reviewed the proposed Vipassana Centre in Kushinagar, which is expected to promote meditation tourism, along with plans for visitor amenities at Kapilvastu and development work at Devdah, both sites closely associated with the life of Gautama Buddha.During his two-day field visit, Abhijat reviewed more than 30 tourism and culture projects across Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Deoria and Maharajganj. Besides assessing ongoing works, officials examined proposals to improve basic visitor amenities such as drinking water, toilets and parking, while also planning QR code-based information systems, landscaped public spaces and multipurpose halls at key sites.The culture department also proposed the renovation and beautification of historic Ramlila grounds at Kasya, Barhalganj and Padrauna to strengthen cultural tourism and community spaces.During the visit, Abhijat inspected ongoing work at the Gorkha War Memorial, Gaurav Museum and the birthplace of Paramahansa Yogananda in Gorakhpur. The museum, being developed with seven galleries depicting the region’s history from the Vedic period to the freedom struggle, and the war memorial are scheduled for completion by Dec.Abhijat said tourism projects should enhance visitor experience, preserve local identity and generate livelihood opportunities. He added that only proposals backed by clear land records, public utility and execution readiness would be prioritised for inclusion in the state’s final tourism action plan.
