Gaya: A 108-foot-tall statue of Lord Vishnu is proposed as a prominent riverfront landmark along the Falgu river under the around Rs 1,531.29-crore Vishnupad temple corridor project. The project will have a total proposed built-up area of 88,340.28 square metres.According to the master plan reviewed at a meeting chaired by assembly speaker Prem Kumar on Saturday, the proposed statue is among the key attractions planned along the Falgu riverfront. The western bank is proposed to be developed over around 451 metres and the eastern bank over around 410 metres.The speakar said the riverfront plan includes shaded walkways, pedestrian paths, e-cart routes, drinking water facilities, public toilets, changing rooms and shelters. A tourist facilitation centre is proposed on the eastern bank, along with redevelopment of the ghats and a pedestrian link from Falgu Ghat to Sita Kund.The project also proposes a 400-bed pilgrim facilitation centre and a dormitory with around 540 beds, besides facilities for pilgrims visiting Gaya for pind daan, tarpan and shraddh. Other proposed facilities include designated spaces for pind daan, shoe and luggage storage, toilets, waiting areas and other public amenities, he said.The plan includes a multi-level parking facility for 630 cars, 14 buses and 20 mini-buses. An elevated road connecting the highway to the parking facility, a direct vehicular access link, a drop-off plaza and dedicated e-cart routes have also been proposed to ease congestion around the temple.Redevelopment and conservation of the ancient Suryakund pond, located north of the Vishnupad temple, has also been proposed under the corridor project.The plan also envisages sewerage infrastructure and sewage treatment plants, along with cremation facilities, electric cremation sheds, waiting areas and other public amenities around the Vishnupad temple.District magistrate Shashank Shubhankar, municipal commissioner Gagan Kumar, the corridor project consultant and officials of departments concerned attended the meeting.The speaker directed officials to prepare a time-bound action plan for various components of the project and expedite those requiring coordination with the state or central govts.
