Jaipur, May 21 (AHN) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla visited Bundi on Thursday and inaugurated as well as laid the foundation stones for multiple development projects worth approximately Rs 48.98 crore.

During the “Bundi Vikas Manthan” programme organised at the Town Hall, suggestions for the city’s holistic and long-term development were invited from intellectuals, public representatives and distinguished citizens from different sections of society.

A short film showcasing proposed development projects worth nearly Rs 500 crore was also screened during the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Birla said, “Bundi should not remain only a symbol of the past; it must also emerge as a centre of future possibilities.”

He said that a comprehensive and phased development blueprint had been prepared for the city and would now be implemented systematically in the coming years.

Om Birla stated that Bundi was entering a new phase of industrial growth and economic expansion.

He pointed out that investments worth thousands of crores had already materialised in the Taleda region and expressed confidence that domestic as well as international tourism would further strengthen the region’s economy, visibility and identity in the years ahead.

The Lok Sabha Speaker said that major infrastructure projects such as the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, a modern railway station and the proposed Kota-Bundi Airport would play an important role in integrating the region with the country’s rapidly expanding economic and tourism network.

Referring to Bundi’s Sports Complex, Birla said that the development of modern sports facilities would help local youth secure opportunities at national and international platforms.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and creating better opportunities for young sportspersons.

Highlighting the vision of “Development with Heritage”, Birla said that Bundi’s historic gateways, stepwells, chhatris (cenotaphs), fort walls and other prominent heritage sites would undergo conservation, restoration and beautification works.

He said plans included facade lighting, heritage walkways, tourism-friendly civic improvements and enhanced visitor facilities aimed at transforming Bundi into a vibrant and illuminated heritage city during evening hours.

At the same time, several infrastructure modernisation works would also be undertaken, including road widening and strengthening, underground power lines, improved drainage systems, development of parks, a recreational Chaupati, underground parking facilities and other modern civic amenities.

During the programme, foundation stones were laid and several development projects worth nearly Rs 49 crore were inaugurated.

These projects included a Youth Hostel, the Bundi-Dalelpura road project, separate hostels for boys and girls, a Working Women’s Hostel and an AYUSH Hospital.

Among the prominent dignitaries present on the occasion were MLA Harimohan Sharma, BJP District President Rameshwar Meena, former MLA Ashok Dogra, outgoing Municipal Council Chairperson Saroj Agarwal and District Collector Harphool Yadav.

The programme also focused on preparing a long-term vision for urban infrastructure, tourism development, heritage preservation and employment generation in the Bundi region.