Rs 27 cr for Indian Freedom Circuit on Gandhiji's path

New Delhi, Oct 17 (UNI) The Tourism Ministry is developing an Indian Freedom Circuit on Mahatma Gandhi's path in West Bengal at a cost of Rs 27.16 crore, official sources said today.

The project include restoration of Gandhiji's room and museum at Belighata, Gandhi Ashram at Sodepur, Gandhighat and Sangrahalaya at Barrackpore, and 'Step Aside' bunglow in Darjeeling where the Mahatma stayed for six days from June 4 to 9, 1925 during which period he had prolonged discussions with Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das on the activities and future plans of the Congress and the Swaraj Party.

Rs 5.7 crore has been sanctioned for Belighata works, Rs 7.2 crore for Sodepur project which involves retrofitting existing newer building into training hall, landscaping and contruction of a boundary wall, and building of offices, library and class rooms, Rs 2.6 crore for Barrackpore Gandhighat that includes construction of a public toilet, a shoe deposit counter and a ticket counter.

The Ministry has also sanctioned during the current fiscal Rs 8.7 crore for restoration of an auditorium and an amphitheatre at Gandhi Sangrahalaya, besides its landscaping and upgrading the existing outhouse.

The total cost includes Rs 44 crore for contingencies and overhead expenses.

UNI