Japanese funds to improve Buddhist circuit

The loan assistance will be provided by JICA through the Union Ministry of Tourism. In the first phase,Rs 400 crore will be provided for the construction of about 74 kms of roads connecting Sarnath in Varanasi,Kapilavastu on the UP-Nepal border,Shravasti and Sankisa in Farukkhabad.

Besides roads,there will be construction of storm water drainage system in Kushinagar and Shravasti,site development and enhancement and promoting community participation in tourism promotion.

The Additional Director (UP Tourism),PK Singh,said: “This is one of the biggest projects to be initiated in UP for the development of the Buddhist circuit. Since connectivity is a major problem in these districts,it was decided to first initiate the project to construct roads. The JICA has already released the funds and we are waiting for the Centre to give us those funds. We are ready with our Detailed Project Report (DPR).”

Singh said: “After the 74 km stretch,we will be aiming at the construction of the storm water drainage system. The two projects will certainly give a major boost to tourism,as these sites see a good international footfall.”