JWG of India and Nepal decides to recognise Ramayana and Buddhist Circuits for promotion

New Delhi, July 30: The Joint Working Group (JWG) of India and Nepal has decided to officially recognise two circuits - Ramayana Circuit and Buddhist Circuit - for joint promotions by the governments of both the countries through common branding and marketing exercises.

In a reply to a question Union minister of state (independent charge) for tourism K J Alphons said that the second meeting of tourism JWG between India and Nepal was held in Kathmandu July 6, 2018. In this meeting, it was agreed to set up the Indo-Nepal Tourism Forum with representation from government and private sector from both sides for mutual consultation and promotion of tourism in both countries.

Earlier, during the Conclave of Special Committee on Tourism for SAARC countries held in India in 2016, the ministry of tourism agreed to offer total 50 seats for three years BSc programme and diploma courses through Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) to the students from SAARC countries including Nepal.

Bharatmala Pariyojana approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in October 2017 included development of 5,300 km border and international connectivity roads including some National Highways stretches leading to Nepal Border. Out of this, 2,000 Km of National Highways for international connectivity has been provided an outlay of Rs.25,000 crore in Phase I (2017-18 to 2021-22) of the program. The National Highway infrastructure developed under the above program would also provide connectivity for tourism related activities.