Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will announce a special package for Janakpur in Province 2 during his two-day visit to Nepal starting on May 11, an official said.

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said the special package would help conserve Janakpur’s heritage as well as its development or link the Ramayan Circuit with the city.

This will be his third visit to Nepal as Indian PM of the National Democratic Alliance  led by his party, the BJP.

Modi and his delegation will reach Janakpur from the Indian city of Patna. He will head to Ram Janaki Temple where Prime Minister K P Oli will welcome him.

Both prime ministers will jointly inaugurate the circuit at Ram Janaki Temple after Modi completes his special pooja in the temple. He will also take part in a civil reception at Barha Bigha hosted by Janakpur Sub-metropolitan City, said the official.

The Indian side has already informed the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu about its intent to announce the package.

India has already agreed to give aid for one area of development in Janakpur, the official said.

Officials from both countries are co-ordinating plans for India’s aid to Nepal, said the official. Among the three areas of aid mentioned above, the Indian prime minister will announce one package during his visit to Janakpur.

Around 15 Indian religious sites, including four in Uttar Pradesh, are on the shortlist to link with Nepal’s Ramayana Circuit, along with Janakpur, said the official.

Janakpur Development Council Chairman Saligram Singh said, “It is likely that Modi will announce the plan to link Ramayana Circuit with Janakpur. India has repeatedly expressed its interest in the past and reiterated it during Prime Minister Oli’s visit to New Delhi recently. Those listed on the circuit will have all the necessary facilities needed for tourists and pilgrims like drinking water, lodging, park and other facilities.”

If Janakpur links with the circuit, the current number of one million tourists visiting Nepal may increase to 2.5 million per year. This would boost bilateral ties and contribute to Nepal’s tourism sector, Singh said.

During his visit in 2014, PM Modi had expressed his desire to support the development of Janakpur, Baraha Chettra and Lumbini. During his second visit to Nepal, Modi had planned to visit Janakpur, but it did not take place because of some issues and opposition by some political parties.

Temporary ICU in Muktinath for Modi visit

KATHMANDU: The Health Ministry is setting up an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Muktinath ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming State Visit to Nepal. Modi is scheduled to travel  to Janakpur on May 11 from the Indian city of Patna.

After worshipping at Janaki Temple, he will travel to Muktinath, in Mustang district the same day. He is scheduled to visit Muktinath via Pokhara.

A joint team comprising doctors from the Health Ministry, officer-bearers of Indian Embassy and doctors of PM Modi on Wednesday reached Muktinath to take stock of the situation and plan for emergencies. “A team, including doctors, reached Muktinath today. We will set up an Intensive Care Unit in a small house in Muktinath.” (PR)