Kushinagar Buddhist conclave draws proposed ₹3,000 crore investment

Investment proposals worth around Rs 3,000 crore were received during the International Buddhist Conclave-2026 held in Kushinagar , reflecting strong investor interest in tourism and infrastructure linked to Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist heritage sites.

The three-day conclave, organised from March 31 to April 2 at the Mahaparinirvana site of Gautama Buddha , aimed to promote the state as a global Buddhist tourism hub while encouraging investment in sectors connected to pilgrimage tourism.

Officials said the event brought together more than 2,300 participants, including monks, scholars, policymakers, tourism professionals and industry representatives. Over 300 international delegates from Thailand, Japan, Myanmar, Bhutan and Nepal attended the conclave, highlighting the growing global interest in India’s Buddhist pilgrimage destinations.

Authorities clarified that the Rs 3,000 crore figure represents investment proposals and expressions of interest rather than confirmed deals , with discussions involving investors from multiple sectors. Hospitality groups and resort developers explored opportunities to build hotels and pilgrim accommodation to cater to the increasing number of international visitors.

Real estate developers examined tourism-linked property projects, including proposals to develop two new townships in Kushinagar to support tourism infrastructure and urban expansion. Companies involved in bio-CNG and clean energy projects also expressed interest in supporting sustainable regional development, while entrepreneurs in the food processing sector explored opportunities connected to tourism-driven demand.

The conclave also saw participation from tour operators, travel companies and aviation stakeholders who discussed expanding international pilgrimage routes and improving tourist services.

Officials highlighted enhanced connectivity through Kushinagar International Airport , which is expected to facilitate greater inflow of foreign pilgrims travelling along the state’s Buddhist circuit.

Additional Chief Secretary Amrit Abhijat said the Buddhist circuit recorded over 8.2 million visitors across six major sites in 2025 , underlining the growing global appeal of these destinations. Officials said the government will now engage with interested investors to convert the proposals into concrete projects.