Patna: The design for the development of the Baba Hariharnath Temple in Sonepur on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor is ready, and the land acquisition process for the ambitious project is currently underway. The detailed project report (DPR) is also being prepared ahead of the tendering process for the Rs 680-crore project, which aims to transform the temple town into a major spiritual and tourism destination.The project is being executed by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC).BSTDC spokesperson Ravishankar Upadhyay said, “The final design for the development of the corridor is ready. The land acquisition process is going on by the Vaishali district administration. When the DPR is finalised, the corporation will float the tender for the selection of the construction agency.”The corridor has been designed by Ahmedabad-based HCP Design, Planning and Management Pvt Ltd, the architectural firm associated with the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project. Officials said the DPR is being prepared simultaneously to expedite the tendering process.The selected agency will have 36 months to complete the project. The redevelopment plan includes significantly wider pathways, improved visitor amenities and advanced crowd management systems to handle the heavy rush during peak pilgrimage seasons, particularly during Sawan.A new temple structure has been proposed above the existing shrine. The project also envisages seamless and aesthetically designed connectivity between the temple and the sacred bathing ghats along the Ganga and Gandak rivers. Both riverfronts will be upgraded and beautified as part of a broader plan to develop the area into a major religious tourism hub.The Baba Hariharnath Temple, located at the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak rivers in Sonepur, is revered for its Shivling, which symbolises the rare union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in a single idol. The temple is also the focal point of the world-famous Sonepur Cattle Fair, which attracts millions of visitors.Officials believe the corridor will significantly boost the footfall of domestic and foreign devotees, generate employment in hospitality, trade and services, and strengthen the local economy.After the proposed international-level Greenfield project, the corridor is expected to give Sonepur a new identity and place Saran prominently on Bihar’s tourism map. During a visit to the temple on April 17 after taking oath as chief minister, Samrat Choudhary had pledged the area’s all-round development and said he was “adopting Sonepur” for its comprehensive growth.
