Agra-Lucknow-Varanasi to form ‘heritage arc’ to attract tourists

Lucknow: UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said here on Thursday that Agra, Lucknow and Varanasi will be developed on the lines of the Agra-Jaipur-Delhi triangle.

“The state government will develop these three cities as a ‘heritage arc’ in order to boost tourism. We will improve infrastructure which includes roads and pathways and revive the monuments to attract tourists,” the chief minister told reporters after a meeting of the Tourism Promotion Council.

Mr Yadav said that tourism had a direct impact on the state’s economy and led to job creation and other investment opportunities. He emphasised the need for ensuring proper facilities for tourists, training of guides and setting up of information centres.

The chief minister said that in the first phase, the three square km area around the Taj Mahal will be developed and in Lucknow, proper lighting of Rumi Darwaza, Ghantaghar and other monuments will be done before Diwali.

In Varanasi, restoration of ghats, bylanes and historical sites will be undertaken and a Mughal museum and theme park in Agra will come up. A light and sound show will be revived at Residency in Lucknow. “We plan to develop Lucknow as a green city here since the state capital has the potential to attract tourists with heritage, culture, food and architecture.

Replying to a question, the CM said that Uttar Pradesh did not need a brand ambassador because the monuments would serve as brand ambassadors now.