Boundless Tourism Potential of Madhya Pradesh will Unlock New Avenues of progress: Deputy CM Shukla

Under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh is undertaking well-planned and integrated efforts to boost the tourism sector. These efforts include infrastructure development, preservation and promotion of traditional culture, and encouraging private sector participation. As a result, Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a highly attractive destination with immense potential for tourism and investment.Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla addressed tourism entrepreneurs, tour operators, travel agents, and stakeholders from the hotel industry at a tourism roadshow held at Hotel Taj Mahal, Lucknow. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Shukla emphasized that rapid progress in any sector is driven by three key revolutions — the industrial revolution, the green revolution, and the tourism revolution. These three revolutions are crucial for creating both self-employment and job opportunities. He added that both Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are ideally positioned to lead in all three areas.

Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Jaiveer Singh stated that Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh share deep cultural ties. Our customs, festivals, cuisine, and social traditions are remarkably similar. He remarked that this journey from Maa Ganga to Maa Narmada will not only offer enriching and memorable experiences to tourists but will also further strengthen the bond between the two states.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts and Endowments, Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, emphasized that tourism is the backbone of a nation’s economic and social development. He noted that today, the tourism industry stands among the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, consistent efforts are being made to strengthen tourism infrastructure and enhance tourism-related facilities in Madhya Pradesh.He highlighted that Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its natural, historical, archaeological, cultural, and religious richness. Discussing the state’s tourism policy and the wide scope for investment, Shri Lodhi called upon all stakeholders to visit Madhya Pradesh and actively contribute to the growth of the tourism industry in the state.

Ganga-Narmada Corridor will open new paths for tourism

Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Shri Sheoshekhar Shukla, said that Madhya Pradesh is one of India’s richest and most diverse states in terms of tourism. He noted a strong resemblance between the tourism landscapes of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Sacred sites such as Baba Mahakal in Ujjain and Baba Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi draw devotees from across the globe, and the Kashi Vishwanath–Mahakal Express serves as a vital link between these two revered Jyotirlingas.Shri Shukla further shared that under the proposed Ganga–Narmada Tourism Corridor, major religious and tourist destinations in both states will be interconnected. This corridor—traversing Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Omkareshwar, and Mahakaleshwar—will not only enhance tourism cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh but also offer visitors a rich, multi-faceted experience. It is expected to significantly boost religious, cultural, health, and heritage tourism in the region.

To foster cooperation and partnerships among tourism entrepreneurs, tour operators, travel agents, and hoteliers from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, a tourism roadshow was organized by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. The event was held as part of the preparations for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart and Regional Tourism Conclave scheduled for next month.The roadshow witnessed the special presence of Shri Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and renowned actor Shri Pankaj Tripathi. In a significant step towards tourism promotion, an MoU was signed between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh for collaborative research and development of key pilgrimage circuits including Shri Ram Path Gaman, Shri Krishna Pathey, and the Buddha Circuit.

Brainstorming session of stakeholders

Bilateral discussions were held between travel operators, hoteliers, and tourism stakeholders from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to explore mutual business opportunities. The session proved to be significant not only for the advancement of regional tourism but also for contributing to the broader goal of national tourism growth and prosperity.

Easy connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh

Traveling from Uttar Pradesh to Madhya Pradesh is now more convenient than ever. Air connectivity is available from major cities of Uttar Pradesh—such as Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, Kanpur, and Prayagraj—to key destinations in Madhya Pradesh including Gwalior, Khajuraho, Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur. Additionally, cities like Rewa, Orchha, Gwalior, and Khajuraho are well-connected by rail.Upon reaching Madhya Pradesh, tourists benefit from a robust and well-maintained road network, enabling smooth and time-efficient travel to the state’s major tourist attractions.