Uttar Pradesh Allocates Rs 400 Crore for Religious Tourism Development
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Synopsis
The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs 400 crore in its 2025-26 budget to promote religious tourism, focusing on developing Ayodhya, Mathura, Naimisharanya, and Chitrakoot as major pilgrimage sites.
Key Takeaways
- Rs 400 crore designated for religious tourism.
- Ayodhya receives Rs 150 crore for tourism infrastructure.
- Over 65 crore visitors in 2024.
- Investment in wayside amenities along highways.
- Focus on temple development and community projects.
Lucknow, Feb 20 (NationPress) The government of Uttar Pradesh has allocated Rs 400 crore from its Rs 8.08 lakh crore Budget for the financial year 2025-26 to enhance religious tourism and develop sacred cities such as Ayodhya, Mathura, Naimisharanya, and Chitrakoot as emerging pilgrimage destinations.
This initiative follows the impressive influx of visitors to Uttar Pradesh, including international tourists, who visited the state last year. Official data reveals that in 2024, the state experienced a record tourism surge with over 65 crore visitors, comprising 14 lakh foreign tourists, flocking to major attractions.
During his presentation of the Budget in the Assembly, Finance Minister Suresh Khanna emphasized the state’s significant accomplishments in tourism and laid out plans to bolster infrastructure and religious tourism.
From January to December 2024, Uttar Pradesh recorded an extraordinary increase in tourist numbers, confirming its status as one of India’s most frequented states.
The Finance Minister informed the House that Rs 400 crore has been designated for the Chief Minister’s Tourist Places Development Scheme, with a substantial focus on Ayodhya, which will receive Rs 150 crore for tourism infrastructure enhancement.
In a similar vein, Rs 125 crore has been allocated for Mathura, Rs 100 crore for Naimisharanya, and Rs 50 crore for Chitrakoot. Furthermore, Rs 100 crore has been set aside for constructing wayside amenities along key state and national highways to facilitate travelers.
In addition to tourism, the Yogi government is actively pursuing charitable initiatives, particularly in temple development and community facilities. A provision of Rs 100 crore is allocated for land acquisition, along with Rs 50 crore for construction projects related to the Shri Banke Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple Mathura-Vrindavan Corridor.
Similarly, Rs 100 crore has been set aside for land purchases, alongside another Rs 100 crore for extensive construction at the Maa Vindhyavasini Temple, Maa Ashtabhuja Temple, and Maa Kali Khoh Temple in Mirzapur district to improve the Parikrama Path and enhance public amenities.
To further safeguard and promote religious heritage, Rs 30 crore has been allocated for the renovation and reconstruction of protected temples. Additionally, Rs 100 crore has been approved for the establishment of the Ved Vigyan Kendra in Naimisharanya, Sitapur district, to support Vedic studies and research.
