The Bihar Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, has given its nod to two significant tourism initiatives: a financial assistance scheme for pilgrims visiting Ladakh and a new heli-tourism service. These measures aim to make travel more accessible and promote tourism within the state.
Financial Aid for Sindhu Darshan Pilgrims
Under the newly approved Sindhu Darshan Pilgrimage Financial Assistance Grant Scheme, 2026, permanent residents of Bihar undertaking the Sindhu Darshan Yatra to Leh-Ladakh are eligible for financial support. The scheme, proposed by the Tourism Department, seeks to alleviate the high travel costs associated with this culturally significant pilgrimage to the Indus River.
Eligible pilgrims can receive a reimbursement of up to ₹20,000 or 50 percent of their total travel expenses, whichever amount is lower, upon completion of their journey. This initiative aligns Bihar with several other Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, which already offer similar pilgrimage assistance programs.
New Heli-Tourism and Air Tourism Service
In a move to enhance regional connectivity and attract more visitors, the Cabinet also cleared the Chief Minister Bihar Heli-Tourism and Air Tourism Service Scheme, 2026. This scheme focuses on providing faster and more comfortable travel options between Bihar's key tourist spots, prioritizing tourism promotion over commercial profits.
The first phase of the heli-tourism scheme is scheduled to operate from July 15, 2026, to January 15, 2027. It will initially cover three prominent destinations: Valmikinagar in West Champaran, the Maa Mundeshwari Temple in Kaimur, and Rajgir in Nalanda. The state government plans to utilize its own aircraft for services to Valmikinagar, while helicopter services for Kaimur and Rajgir will be facilitated through rented helicopters.