Context: Recently, during his visit to Varanasi, Prime Minister of India flagged off four Vande Bharat Express trains and highlighted that, over the past 11 years, developmental initiatives in Uttar Pradesh have significantly elevated pilgrimage and boosted related economic activity across the state.
- Last year alone, 11 crore (110 million) devotees visited Varanasi for darshan of Baba Vishwanath.
- Since the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, over 6 crore people have visited the temple of Ram Lalla.
About Four new Vande Bharat Trains:
- Developed by Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), With these, the total number of Vande Bharat train services in the country rose to 164.
Government Initiatives to boost Pilgrimage Tourism
- Development of new religious region: On NITI Aayog’s recommendation, the UP government plans to develop a new religious circuit covering Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chandauli, Ghazipur, Mirzapur, and Bhadohi, benefiting over 2.38 crore people.
- Industrial developments in tandem with religious tourism: Government decided to set up an industrial sector between Ayodhya and Ramsnehi Ghat, along with industrial zones and knowledge parks in Prayagraj and Varanasi, supported by the central government
- Infrastructure development: The Uttar Pradesh government planned to invest Rs 4,560 crore in upgrading roads connecting key religious sites, aiming to boost religious tourism and improve pilgrim travel.
- This initiative focuses on enhancing connectivity to destinations like Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Mathura.
- The project includes widening roads, improving safety, and beautifying routes, with 272 projects planned for completion by 2025-26.
- Budget 2025-2026 provisions:
- Ayodhya Region: ₹150 crore allocated for tourism infrastructure development, following the increased visitor influx after the grand opening of the Ram Temple in January 2024.
- Mathura: ₹125 crore set aside to enhance the appeal of this significant destination associated with Lord Krishna.
- Naimisharanya (Sitapur district): ₹100 crore allocated to boost its status as a prominent pilgrimage center.
- Chitrakoot: ₹50 crore earmarked for infrastructure improvements to cater to increasing footfall.
- Ayodhya Deepotsav: ₹13 crore dedicated to the grand festival that attracts millions of devotees annually.
Daily MCQ Practise
Q.1 Consider the following statements regarding the Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express:
- It connects Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho.
- It is the first Vande Bharat train operating in Uttar Pradesh.
- Developed by the Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the introduction of these trains will take the total count of Vande Bharat services across the country to 164.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All 1, 2 and 3
Ans.(c)