With focus on Ayodhya, Mathura, govt push for spiritual tourism

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh govt's push for spiritual and religious tourism continued in the 2025-26 Budget. Emphasising that nearly 64 crore tourists visited the state between Jan and Dec 2024, finance minister Suresh Khanna reaffirmed state's tourism potential while announcing an allocation of Rs 400 crore for the Chief Minister's Tourist Places Development Scheme.
A significant portion of this Budget is dedicated to Ayodhya, with Rs 150 crore set aside for developing tourism infrastructure in the temple town. Similarly, Rs 125 crore has been allocated for Mathura, Rs 100 crore for Naimisharanya, and Rs 50 crore for Chitrakoot. Additionally, Rs 100 crore has been earmarked for constructing roadside amenities along major state and national highways to enhance convenience for travellers.
Khanna said that allocations have also been made for charitable projects. "A provision of Rs 100 crore has been made for land acquisition and Rs 50 crore for construction as part of the Shri Banke Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple Mathura-Vrindavan Corridor," he said.
He further noted that Rs 100 crore has been allocated for land acquisition and another Rs 100 crore for large-scale construction at the Maa Vindhyavasini Temple, Maa Ashtabhuja Temple, and Maa Kali Khoh Temple in Mirzapur district to develop the Parikrama Path and enhance public facilities. To further preserve and promote religious heritage, Rs 30 crore has been allocated for the renovation and reconstruction of protected temples. Additionally, Rs 100 crore has been sanctioned for establishing the Ved Vigyan Kendra in Naimisharanya, Sitapur district, to support Vedic studies and research.