Uttar Pradesh to emerge as a ‘Hub’ of Religious Tourism

• HM Amit Shah, CM Yogi Adityanath lay foundation stone of ‘Vindhyachal Corridor’ at Vindhyavasini Mandir in Mirzapur
• Vindhyachal Corridor Project (VCP) in Mirzapur to develop on lines of Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor project
• Amit Shah and CM Yogi inaugurate First Ropeway of East UP for thousands of pilgrims & picnickers
• Yogi Adityanath government succeeded in transforming UP’s perception globally : Amit Shah

Lucknow, August 1, 2021. In a major push to Uttar Pradesh towards developing as the country’s spiritual and religious tourism hub, Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of Rs 150 crore Vindhyachal Corridor Project (VCP) in Mirzapur on Sunday afternoon.

As a part of various extensive reforms to transform and promote the pilgrim spots which will not only give the state a worldwide recognition but will also play a vital role in generating numerous employment opportunities for the locals, the Vindhyachal Corridor project will be built on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor project in Varanasi which will add to UP’s growing tourism charm.

“Uttar Pradesh has seen a gust in the development activities under the Yogi Adityanath-led government which has transformed the perception of the state at a global level,” said the Home Minister while addressing a public meeting at the Government Inter College ground after offering prayers at the temple and performing the rituals of ‘bhumi pujan’.

Hailing the efforts of CM Yogi Adityanath in transforming Uttar Pradesh as a safe, developed and prosperous state able to achieve the aspirations of its 24 crore people on the global stage, Shah said, “With the constant efforts of CM Yogi Adityanath and his government, UP today stands as the state with limitless possibilities and has ushered in a new era of growth and development.”

The VCP project will result in creation of space for 50-ft-wide Parikrama (circumambulation) route while visitors will get a full view of the holy shrine known as one of ‘Shaktipeeths’. The roads leading to the temple are also being widened as a part of the project. Improvement of basic infrastructure and introducing modern facilities, including parking zones, guest houses, shopping complexes, retiring rooms for pilgrims, are also proposed.

The construction part of Rs 150 crores Vindhyachal Corridor Project will be started immediately after the ‘bhumipujan’, as removal of identified 92 buildings, which were surrounding the Vindhyachal temple, have already been done.

Listing the achievements of the Yogi Adityanath Government, the Home Minister said, “framing policies or developing new schemes is easy, the real effort is required in executing and implementing them effectively and UP’s progress is a proof of the hard work put in by the government.”

Expressing gratitude to the Central Government and its contribution towards progress of the state, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “credit should be given to PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the State’s development. It should have happened after Independence but parties prior didn’t have the time.”

Inauguration of East UP’s First Ropeway to draw millions of devotees and tourists

Amit Shah and CM Yogi Adityanath also inaugurated the first ropeway of east UP costing Rs 16 crore for thousands of pilgrims and picnickers who flock Ashtabhuja and Kali Khoh hills of holy Trikon (triangle) of Vindhyachal.

In Rs 16 crore ropeway project, a 199-metre first line ropeway linking Kali Khoh and Ashtabhuja and another 102-metre second line, which will take visitors from Ashtabhuja hill to terminal (parking point), has been created. This project will enable visitors to enjoy the beauty of the forest area between two hills from the height of over 260 metres.

Govt aiming to create employment opportunities through Tourism

Located in the Vindhya hills on the banks of the holy Ganga river, Vindhya Dham, is a famous religious and tourist destination in Uttar Pradesh. With Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi planning to develop the ‘Vindhya Dham Corridor’ here, the developments done under the project will enhance the beauty of the enchanting place.

Tourism is one of the most promising sectors in terms of providing employment at the local level. The work being done for the convenience and safety of tourists/devotees in Vindhya Dham will also increase employment opportunities at the local level. Local workers will get short-term employment in the construction works. Due to a better environment of convenience and security after beautification, the permanent employment will be generated due to an increase in the number of pilgrims/tourists and their stay time.

Subhodh Tripathi.