“Bihar’s tourism sector receives a major boost with ₹882.87 crore allocated for Punaura Dham’s redevelopment in Sitamarhi, aiming to elevate the birthplace of Goddess Sita as a global spiritual destination. The project includes a grand temple and enhanced tourism infrastructure, aligning with India’s cultural heritage promotion goals.”
Bihar Bolsters Spiritual Tourism with Major Investment in Punaura Dham
On June 30, 2025, the Bihar State Cabinet approved a ₹882.87 crore Detailed Masterplan (DPR) for the holistic development of Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi, revered as the birthplace of Goddess Sita. This ambitious project, modeled after the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra in Ayodhya, aims to transform the site into a global spiritual and cultural hub. The initiative includes ₹137 crore for the renovation of the existing temple and ₹728 crore for developing world-class tourism facilities, with the foundation stone expected to be laid by August 2025.
The project underscores Bihar’s broader strategy to enhance its tourism infrastructure, focusing on its rich cultural and historical heritage. Punaura Dham, a significant site for Hindus, is poised to attract both domestic and international pilgrims, boosting the local economy and creating job opportunities. The development plan includes modern amenities, improved connectivity, and sustainable infrastructure to ensure a seamless visitor experience.
This investment aligns with the Bihar Tourism Policy 2023, which emphasizes public-private partnerships and financial incentives to attract investors. The policy offers a 30% capital subsidy for investments up to ₹10 crore, with a cap of ₹3 crore, and higher subsidies for larger investments. Additionally, it provides 100% reimbursement for land conversion fees and 80% reimbursement of State Goods and Services Tax for five years, fostering private sector participation in tourism development.
Bihar’s focus on spiritual tourism extends beyond Punaura Dham. The state is also developing other heritage sites, such as the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the ancient ruins of Nalanda University. The Union Budget 2024 highlighted Bihar’s potential as a spiritual tourism hub, with plans to develop temple corridors at Vishnupad and Mahabodhi temples, alongside initiatives for Rajgir and Nalanda. These efforts aim to position Bihar as a key player in India’s tourism landscape, leveraging its historical significance for Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains.
The state’s infrastructure development complements these tourism initiatives. With ₹26,000 crore allocated for road projects, including new expressways, connectivity to tourist sites is expected to improve significantly by July 2025. The government has also issued Requests for Proposals for hotel construction at three strategic sites—Hotel Patliputra Ashok, Bankipur Bus Stand, and Sultan Palace—under public-private partnerships, with tenders open until April 21, 2025. These developments aim to modernize hospitality infrastructure and enhance visitor experiences.
Furthermore, the “One Block, One Product” initiative, launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign, promotes local craftsmanship and products, indirectly supporting tourism by highlighting Bihar’s cultural heritage. The state’s focus on inclusive development includes incentives for hiring locals and people with disabilities, ensuring economic benefits reach marginalized communities.
Posts on X reflect strong public support for these initiatives, with users praising the government’s efforts to put Bihar’s cultural heritage on the global map. The Punaura Dham project, in particular, has sparked enthusiasm for its potential to rival Ayodhya as a pilgrimage destination. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on timely execution and sustainable management to ensure long-term economic and cultural impacts.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from reliable sources, including government announcements, news reports, and posts on X. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to verify details through official channels for the latest updates.