Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has proposed developing a monorail network connecting Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini, Tilaurakot and Ramgram with the Gautam Buddha International Airport for sustainable development of tourism in the region.

Addressing a ceremony organised by the Lumbini Development Trust to mark the 2562nd birth anniversary of the Buddha, the prime minister said the government would begin a feasibility study for monorail connecting the three places important to Buddha’s life.

“Increasing accessibility of these places will aid integrated development. Works will begin if we get a positive report from the study,” Oli said, adding that the birth anniversary of the Buddha would be celebrated as an international festival from next year. According to Oli, it is important to develop Lumbini not just as a pilgrimage site but as an international tourist destination.

In a statement on Monday, the prime minister said that the Buddha remains a symbol of pride for all Nepalis as he made a huge contribution to human welfare. “Since the Buddha showed the path of non-violence, harmony and human welfare they are so popular around the world today,” Oli said.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari said the government would implement the Lumbini Declaration 2018 that will establish Lumbini as a gateway to the greater circuit of Asian Buddhist pilgrimage sites by connecting Lumbini with Bodhgaya, Sarnath and Kusinagar of India, and other great Buddhist centres and heritage sites in countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, China and Pakistan.

He pledged to implement the Lumbini Master Plan designed by Kenzo Tange as the global centre for peace and humanity within three years.