The Buddhist trail can be a civilisational highway, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• India is home to key Buddhist pilgrimage sites like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar.
• In 2023, the average foreign tourist in India spent about Rs 2.9 lakh, excluding international transport.
• Tourism contributed to 5.22% of GDP and supported an estimated 84.63 lakh jobs in India.
• The Union Budget 2026-27 announced a Buddhist circuit scheme for the Northeast and training for 10,000 tour guides.
• Gaya Airport, the gateway to Bodh Gaya, faces capacity constraints with limited terminal handling and runway size.

Detailed Insights:

• India needs to treat its Buddhist heritage as a national mission, leveraging its cultural significance and economic opportunity.
• Buddhist tourists primarily come from Sri Lanka, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea, drawn by historical and religious connections.
• A dedicated Buddhist Heritage and Pilgrimage Development Authority could enhance coordination between the Centre and states.
• Improving access to Bodh Gaya requires expanding Gaya Airport into a genuine international airport with better infrastructure.
• A specialized Buddhist pilgrim visa or fast-track window can ease travel for group pilgrimages and monastic delegations.
• States like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh also have significant Buddhist heritage.
• Buddhist relic diplomacy and heritage exhibitions can strengthen ties with Asian partners, but must be supported by infrastructure development.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Swadesh Darshan: A scheme by the Indian government to promote tourism infrastructure development in India.
• Buddhist Circuit: A route connecting key Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India, aimed at promoting religious tourism.
• Mahavamsa: A historical text written in Pali about the kings of Sri Lanka, connecting Sri Lanka to Buddhism in India.