Govt plans makeover of tourism sector with AI, digital technology

Patna: Govt is planning a makeover of the tourism sector, with AI, digital technology and heli-tourism.Speaking at a function on World Tourism Day on Sunday, tourism minister Kedar Prasad Gupta said AI and technology would be important for tourism. He said the state govt, under the leadership of CM Samrat Choudhary, was linking tourism with development, employment and economy.Bihar recorded more than 6.62 crore arrivals in 2025. Projects worth Rs1,301 crore were approved in 2025-26, while 36 projects worth Rs2,710 crore were sanctioned during Pragati Yatra undertaken by former CM Nitish Kumar.Officials said several major projects are underway at religious destinations. At Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi, a grand temple dedicated to Mata Sita is being constructed at a cost of more than Rs1,000 crore. Vishnupad Temple Corridor in Gaya is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs2,500 crore, while Harihar Nath Temple Corridor in Sonepur is being developed with an investment of more than Rs680 crore.Development work is also progressing at Baba Garibnath Temple, Ashok Dham and Ahilyasthan. Officials said the projects are aimed not merely at improving the appearance of religious sites but also at expanding tourist amenities, connectivity, employment and economic activity in surrounding areas.Govt is also planning new tourism infrastructure, including a Buddhist Meditation and Experience Centre in Bodh Gaya at a cost of Rs165 crore, a glass bridge at Matsyagandha Lake in Saharsa and Luv-Kush Park in Valmikinagar.Expansion of five-star hospitality facilities in Patna, Rajgir and Vaishali is also being pursued.Govt is promoting heli-tourism, including proposed aerial tourism services covering Patna Darshan, Nalanda and Valmikinagar. A proposed ropeway connecting Atal Path in Patna with Hariharnath Temple is expected to add another mode of tourist transport.To connect tourism with local livelihoods, around 1,000 rooms at 34 tourist destinations are being developed under Mukhyamantri Homestay Yojana. Beneficiaries can receive financial assistance of up to Rs11 lakh per unit.Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation managing director Nand Kishore said, “AI could significantly change the way tourists experience destinations. By analysing visitor preferences, searches and travel-related data, technology could provide customised information about destinations, hotels, food and other services.”You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Patna | Silver Rate in Patna | Bank Holidays in Patna | Public Holidays in Patna | Patna AQI | Weather in Patna | Petrol Price in Patna | Diesel Price in Patna | CNG Price in Patna | LPG Price in PatnaStay updated with the latest Patna news. Download the TOI App.