Gaya: With pilgrim footfall set to increase in the coming months, the twin cities of Gaya and Bodh Gaya are witnessing a major infrastructure push, as authorities roll out ambitious projects aimed at easing traffic, expanding accommodation and upgrading civic amenities.A series of initiatives aimed at improving traffic management, accommodation and essential public services have been launched to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for visitors from the country and abroad.Among the key projects is the installation of high-resolution CCTV cameras and traffic signals across Gaya town. In addition, construction of a railway overbridge (ROB) at the Bageshwari railway crossing has commenced.Assembly speaker and Gaya town MLA Prem Kumar said the ROB project, being implemented by Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam at an estimated cost of Rs90.16 crore, will connect Gaya railway station with Ramshila and Pretshila. “In the absence of an ROB, schoolchildren, pilgrims and tourists face inconvenience due to frequent closure of the railway crossing,” he said.The project includes construction of service roads on both sides, drainage systems and a light foot overbridge for pedestrians. Once completed, it is expected to ease traffic congestion in the city, improve road safety and accelerate overall development.To further streamline traffic movement, a Rs 55-crore project is underway for installation of traffic signals at eight major intersections and CCTV cameras at 75 locations.Meanwhile, construction of the Gaya Dharamshala, being built at an estimated cost of Rs120 crore on 4.38 acres in the Godawari locality, is expected to be completed by May 2027. The G+5 building will accommodate more than 1,000 pilgrims at a time, particularly those arriving to perform ‘pind daan’ during the fortnight-long Pitripaksh mela, as well as throughout the year.In Bodh Gaya, a comprehensive development plan has also been prepared for the proposed Mahabodhi Corridor project. District magistrate-cum-chairman of the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee, Shashank Shubhankar, presented a detailed report on the proposed corridor at a meeting of the Bodh Gaya Temple Advisory Board held on Monday. The plan focuses on strengthening infrastructure, enhancing the spiritual experience of visitors and generating livelihood opportunities for local residents.
