Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday, 21 May visited Bundi in Rajasthan, inaugurating and laying foundation stones for multiple development projects collectively worth approximately ₹48.98 crore. The occasion also saw the screening of a short film outlining proposed projects worth nearly ₹500 crore, signalling a comprehensive long-term growth vision for the historic city.

Bundi Vikas Manthan: A Platform for Collective Vision

The events were anchored around the 'Bundi Vikas Manthan' programme held at the Town Hall, where intellectuals, public representatives, and distinguished citizens were invited to contribute suggestions toward the city's holistic and sustained development. Birla addressed the gathering, stating, 'Bundi should not remain only a symbol of the past; it must also emerge as a centre of future possibilities.'

He added that a comprehensive and phased development blueprint had been prepared for the city and would be implemented systematically over the coming years.

Infrastructure and Connectivity at the Core

Birla highlighted that major infrastructure projects — including the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, a modernised railway station, and the proposed Kota-Bundi Airport — would serve as critical connectors, integrating Bundi into India's rapidly expanding economic and tourism network. He also noted that investments worth thousands of crores had already taken shape in the Taleda region, with confidence expressed that both domestic and international tourism would further strengthen the area's economy and identity.

Infrastructure modernisation plans include road widening and strengthening, underground power lines, improved drainage systems, parks, a recreational Chaupati, underground parking facilities, and other modern civic amenities.

Heritage Conservation and Tourism Development

Under the 'Development with Heritage' vision articulated by Birla, Bundi's historic gateways, stepwells, chhatris (cenotaphs), fort walls, and other prominent heritage sites are slated for conservation, restoration, and beautification. Plans include facade lighting, heritage walkways, tourism-friendly civic improvements, and enhanced visitor facilities — aimed at transforming Bundi into a vibrant illuminated heritage destination during evening hours.

Projects Inaugurated and Foundation Stones Laid

Among the projects inaugurated and initiated on the day — collectively worth nearly ₹49 crore — were a Youth Hostel, the Bundi-Dalelpura road project, separate hostels for boys and girls, a Working Women's Hostel, and an AYUSH Hospital. The Bundi Sports Complex also received attention, with Birla reaffirming the government's commitment to building modern sports facilities that would open national and international opportunities for local youth.

Key Dignitaries Present

The programme was attended by prominent figures including MLA Harimohan Sharma, BJP District President Rameshwar Meena, former MLA Ashok Dogra, outgoing Municipal Council Chairperson Saroj Agarwal, and District Collector Harphool Yadav. The gathering reinforced the broad political and administrative consensus behind Bundi's development roadmap, which spans urban infrastructure, tourism, heritage preservation, and employment generation.

With the ₹500 crore project pipeline now formally in motion, Bundi's transformation from a heritage town to a modern economic and tourism hub is set to unfold over the coming years.