To strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s position as a leading religious tourism destination, the state government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has sanctioned 17 projects worth Rs 9.97 crore. The investment will be used to not only develop but modernize the key religious and cultural sites across three districts viz., Bulandshahr, Chandauli, and Chitrakoot. A total of 17 projects have been approved under this initiative. They aim at improving tourism infrastructure, preserving cultural heritage, and creating new economic opportunities for local communities.
Over the past few years, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a prominent hub for religious tourism, attracting millions of devotees and tourists annually. As major places like Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Mathura are closing seeing development, the Yogi government is now focusing on improving lesser-known but culturally important sites. Thus, this latest investment is a strategic effort to expand the tourism map beyond traditional hotspots. By upgrading infrastructure in smaller districts, the Yogi government is planning to distribute the tourist footfall to keep the balance, reduce pressure on major pilgrimage centres, and unlock the untapped potential of regional destinations.
Bulandshahr: Reviving local spiritual landmarks
In Bulandshahr, projects worth Rs 3.15 crore have been approved, covering five important sites. The focus here is on enhancing the appeal of local temples that hold deep religious significance for nearby communities but have remained relatively underdeveloped in terms of infrastructure.
Among the key projects, Rs 52 lakh has been allocated for the development of the Siddh Baba (Kal Bhairav) Temple located in Unchagaon, Siyana. Known for its spiritual importance, the temple attracts devotees seeking blessings and relief from hardships. Similarly, Rs 76 lakh has been sanctioned for the Chhoti Mata Temple in Anupshahr, which is a major centre of faith, especially during festive times.
Other sites identified for development include the Buddhist Mahasabha Institute in Khurja, Maa Ashwar Devi Temple in Dibai, and a historic Shiva temple in Shikarpur. These projects will include beautification, improved access roads, better lighting, sanitation facilities, and enhanced visitor amenities. Collectively, these improvements are expected to make Bulandshahr a more attractive destination for religious tourism.
Chandauli: Expanding horizons with religious and rural tourism
Chandauli has received the highest allocation of Rs 4.76 crore for six projects, showing its growing importance in UP’s tourism strategy. The district, which lies close to Varanasi, has significant potential to emerge as a complementary destination for pilgrims and tourists.
The approved projects include beautification and infrastructure development at prominent temples in Mughalsarai, Sakaldiha, and Saiyadraja. A major highlight is the allocation of Rs 1.44 crore for developing multi-purpose facilities at the Mahalaxmi Mahdauri Devi Temple in Chahaniya. This project will focus on creating better amenities for devotees, including seating areas, drinking water facilities, and improved accessibility.
The government has also allocated funds to promote rural tourism in Aurwatand (Chakiya). It will highlight the region’s natural beauty, local traditions, and rural lifestyle, giving tourists a unique experience. By combining rural and religious tourism, the state aims to create a more diverse and sustainable tourism model.
Chitrakoot: Enhancing the sacred landscape of Bhagwan Ram
Chitrakoot, deeply associated with the life of Lord Ram, holds immense spiritual significance and attracts pilgrims from across the country. Recognizing its importance, the government has approved six projects worth Rs 2.06 crore to further enhance its infrastructure and facilities.
One of the major allocations includes Rs 80 lakh for the development of the Paleshwarnath Temple, a revered site among devotees. Additionally, Rs 50 lakh has been earmarked for the construction of Valmiki Ghat on the Tamsa Ganga river, which is expected to become a key attraction for pilgrims.
Other projects include the development of Ram Shayya Sthal, the establishment of a tourist facility centre in Sitapur Khedi, and the construction of a Parikrama Path at the Maharishi Ashram in Lalapur. These initiatives aim to improve accessibility, ensure better crowd management, and provide a seamless experience for visitors. With these upgrades, Chitrakoot is set to strengthen its identity as a major spiritual destination, complementing the ongoing development of other religious centres in the state.
Economic impact and employment generation
Beyond enhancing tourism infrastructure, the projects are expected to have a significant economic impact. As per past records, the development of religious and cultural sites often leads to increased tourist footfall, which in turn boosts local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, transport services, and handicrafts.
The construction and maintenance of these projects will also create direct and indirect employment opportunities for local residents. From skilled labour in construction to service providers catering to tourists, the benefits of this investment are expected to reach multiple sections of society.
State Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh reiterated that the government’s priority is to preserve Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural and religious heritage while making it accessible to a wider audience. He emphasized that many historically and spiritually significant sites have remained under the radar due to lack of infrastructure and promotion. These projects are designed to bring such locations into the mainstream tourism circuit. By doing so, the government not only aims to promote cultural pride but also to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The Rs 9.97 crore investment is part of a broader effort by the Uttar Pradesh government to build a robust and diversified tourism ecosystem. By focusing on infrastructure, accessibility, and visitor experience, Uttar Pradesh, under CM Yogi’s leadership is positioning itself as a comprehensive destination that aims to cater to both spiritual seekers and experiential travellers. In the coming years, such initiatives could play a crucial role in redefining Uttar Pradesh’s tourism landscape, where faith, culture, and development come together to create new opportunities and experiences.
