Govt. to develop Freedom Circuit on Mahatma's path in Bengal

New Delhi, Oct 17 (UNI) The Central Government has sanctioned a Rs 27-crore rpt 27-crore project -- 'Freedom Circuit on Mahatma Gandhi's Path in West Bengal' -- with the objective of developing and restoring sites related to the life and events of the Father of the Nation in that state.

The project envisages restoration of Gandhiji's room and museum display as well as construction of a single-storeyed annexe building at Belighata, landscaping of Gandhi Ashram at Sodepur and an illumination project at Gandhighat in Barrackpore.

As part of the project, the government would also restore an auditorium and build an ampitheatre near Gandhi Sangrahalaya in Barrackpore, besides upgrading the existing outhouse there, a ministry official said today.

In Darjeeling, the plan would involve landscaping, building pathways and providing signage and lighting arrangemnets under the project, known as 'Step Aside', he said.

Construction of a shoe deposit counter and a ticket Counter, besides illumination facility, at Barrackpore would entail an expenditure of Rs 10.63 lakh while the total cost of developing Gandhi Ashram at Sodepur is to cost Rs 72.42 lakh.

The official said 'Freedom Circuit' was part of the Tourism Ministry's various projects in the country sanctioned in the current financial year so far and involving an expenditure of Rs. 323 crore.

The projects have been chalked out in consultation with the state governments for creating high class tourism infrastructure and facilities, which will provide an opportunity for unique experience to the visitors.

UNI