Prayagraj: In order to promote religious tourism, the state government has 25 new projects for Prayagraj division to take prominent religious spots on global map.Tourism and Culture minister Jaiveer Singh, while reviewing the projects being taken under the tourism, culture, and religious affairs department in the Prayagraj division city, on Friday pointed out that the state government is working rapidly to give a new identity to religious tourism while simultaneously preserving cultural heritage and expanding tourist facilities.The minister focused on 25 tourism projects worth approximately Rs 39.10 crore for the 2026-27 financial year, placing special emphasis on developing major religious sites, constructing museums, beautifying cultural complexes, and creating modern tourist amenities.These 25 projects comprise 15 in Prayagraj, six in Pratapgarh, and four in Fatehpur. The primary objective is to develop key pilgrimage sites, expand tourist facilities, and give a new identity to religious tourism. Officials were instructed to complete all projects in a timely and high-quality manner.Minister said that the aim of tourism projects should not merely be infrastructure development but also enhancing the tourist experience while preserving the cultural and religious identity of each site. He directed that all under-construction projects costing up to Rs 1 crore must be completed by November without fail and projects worth Rs 1.5 crore should be finished within six months, and those up to Rs 2 crore within nine months. He also issued instructions to ensure better coordination between public representatives and the executing agencies.Additional chief secretary of the Tourism, Culture, and Religious Affairs department, Amrit Abhijat emphasized the need for regular coordination between departments and executing agencies to ensure the timely completion of work.A total of 15 tourism development proposals—the highest number for any district—were reviewed for Prayagraj. These include proposals for the beautification and development of tourist amenities at sites such as Sansari Mata Dham (Soraon), Mahaviran Dham (Phaphamau), Maa Jwalamukhi Temple (Karchhana), Shri Narmadeshwar Shiv Temple (Prayagraj West), and Sant Ravidas Temple (Prayagraj North). Additionally, the ‘Parampara’ One-Stop Centre for Tourism and Culture project, proposed at a cost of approximately ₹8 crore, was reviewed. This facility is set to be developed as an integrated hub for tourism, culture, and visitor amenities.Projects for Pratapgarh district include proposals to develop six major religious sites, such as Baba Ghuisarnath Dham, Swami Siddheshwar Ashram and Narsingh Dham Temple (Kunda). Meanwhile, plans were discussed to develop and improve tourist facilities at sites in Fatehpur district, including Gayatri Temple (Jahanabad), Shri Ram Janki Temple (Bindki), Shri Singhvahi Temple (Ayah Shah), and the Sun Temple (Khaga).The Department of Culture reviewed ongoing projects, including the Nishadraj Guh Cultural Centre (Shringverpur), the Ramlila complex (Jahanabad, Fatehpur), the Ramlila grounds at Khaga and Patti (Pratapgarh), and the Kaushambi Museum (Manjhanpur). Furthermore, new proposals were presented for the conservation and development of sites such as Rani Ka Talab (Phulpur), Pakka Talab (Prayagraj West), the Mahdaha Mound (Patti Assembly constituency), and the Tularam Lake and Rasik Bihari Temple complex (Jahanabad). The objective of these projects is to develop these sites for tourism while preserving the state’s cultural heritage.Progress was reviewed on the ‘Bhajan Sandhya’ (devotional music) venue being developed by the Department of Religious Affairs at a cost of approximately ₹23.08 crore. Additionally, proposals regarding the maintenance and development of several sites were discussed: Gangoli Shivala in Prayagraj, Kumbheshwar Mahadev Temple in Jhunsi, the Shiv temple in Pratapgarh, the Shiv temple and lake at Muratganj in Kaushambi, the Kaushambi lake, as well as the Amora Temple in Fatehpur and the Shiv temple at Rewadi Buzurg. These projects are expected to significantly boost religious tourism.Minister Jaiveer Singh and additional chief secretary instructed officials to conduct regular site inspections, ensure continuous monitoring of the projects, and complete all works in accordance with high-quality standards within the stipulated timeframes.
