In order to enhance Bihar’s tourism prospects, the state government has signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Archaeological Society of India to develop sites of tourist interests in the state such as Kesaria, Manersharif, Rohtas Fort and Sher Shah Mausoleum.
Bihar tourism minister Ram Pravesh Rai said, “The plan outlay for tourism development which was a meagre Rs 7.43 crore in 2005-06 has been increased to Rs 29.78 crore by 2009-10 and was further increased to Rs 30.44 crore in 2010-11. During this period the number of domestic and foreign tourists coming to the state increased to over 1.55 crore and 4.23 lakh respectively.”
Besides, to ensure safety and security of both foreign and domestic tourists, a special force has been formed and tourist guides are being trained. Religious sites, including Mundeshwari temple in Kaimur district and Baikunthnath temple at Baikutpur in rural Patna, would also be developed to woo tourists.
Other tourism projects include development of different Ghats along River Ganges , providing quality accommodation, transport, parking and cafeteria to the tourists visiting the various spots in the circuits ,deploying 8 tourist protection force units in 5 districts of Patna, Nalanda, Gaya, Vaishali and East Champaran and others.
