Lucknow Dominates Tourism In SCR; Govt Plans Development To Boost Other Districts

Lucknow continues to be the most popular destination within the State Capital Region (SCR), attracting 46 per cent of the total tourists visiting the six districts under the SCR, according to the first survey report of the SCR Regional Plan. Barabanki follows with 31 per cent of tourists, Unnao 14 per cent, Sitapur 7 per cent, and Hardoi and Rae Bareli just 1 per cent each.

The report, which estimates around 18 million tourists visiting the SCR annually, has prompted the state government to prepare an action plan to develop tourism in the lesser-visited districts. Consultants AECOM India Pvt Ltd and Egis India Consulting Engineers Pvt Ltd have been engaged to study the tourism potential across the SCR, with special focus on Sitapur, Hardoi, and Rae Bareli.

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Over the next year, the firms will draft a regional plan, followed by identifying and preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for projects over five years, ensuring implementation on the ground. The government is placing particular emphasis on religious tourism. In Sitapur, a development plan is already underway for Naimisharanya, including the 84 Kosi Parikrama Marg and the 36 villages along its route. Similar plans will be studied for other districts.

Dr Roshan Jacob, then Divisional Commissioner, directed the consultants to develop tourism as an industry in every district, taking into account historicity, religious significance, economy, and unique local features.

Under the proposed SCR, approximately 26,000 square kilometres across five districts will come under its purview. High-speed road and rail connectivity between districts is planned, along with infrastructure and development projects aligned with population and settlement patterns. 

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These measures aim to boost industrial and commercial growth, generate employment, and enhance the state’s overall economic development. The SCR headquarters will be located in Lucknow to centralise administrative functions.