Subhash Goyal, President of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) had a meeting with the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar Singh and Dy. Chief Minister of Bihar, Sushi Kumar Modi. Goyal was accompanied by Lajpat Rai, Hony. Joint Secretary, IATO and the President of Bihar Hotel Association. Goyal raised several points including a balanced networking is required between State Highways and National Highways connected to Bodhgaya; expansion or fly-overs from Patna towards Nalanda and Rajgir and way-side amenities especially between Patna – Nalanda – Bodhgaya – Varanasi.
In addition, he discussed urgent repairs required on busy highways; the need for more quality accommodation along the Buddhist Circuit; high bar licensing fees; upgradation of Sanitation facilities specially in Gaya and Bodhgaya; and the need for renovation of tourist sites near Bodhgaya, Rajgir like- Gurupa, Baraber Cave and Kakolat.
He further recommended levy of all commercial taxes at the Monasteries which are operating like a hotel in their premises and an effective approach road between Bodhgaya to Durgeshwari, another important Buddhist location.
“Bihar is not only a place for Buddhist Tourists but also for Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Sufism. It has one of the most sacred Sikh Temple Patna Sahib located in Bihar and it should be promoted in a big way”, said Goyal.
