Tourism boost: MP CM to push for Kashi-Ujjain-Chitrakoot circuit at one-day convention

Varanasi: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav is set to inaugurate the MP-UP Cooperation Convention 2026 at the BLW ground on Tuesday, with a focus on crowd management strategies at Kashi Vishwanath Dham, modern urban planning techniques and developing the Kashi-Ujjain-Chitrakoot religious tourism circuit.The MP CM has invited Rakesh Sachan, minister of micro, small and medium enterprises department, UP, to the conference. The one-day event will begin with a study tour of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, where an in-depth study of crowd flow, infrastructure layout and pilgrim management systems will be conducted. This tour will provide an opportunity to understand the successful model of modern urban planning. Based on this experience, a practical approach will be chalked out to make religious tourism more organised and attractive in MP. At the tourism round table, extensive deliberations will be held on developing the Kashi-Ujjain-Chitrakoot religious tourism circuit. The emphasis will be on developing a structured, coordinated tourism model in collaboration with key stakeholders, including tour operators and IRCTC.The convention will host sessions on boosting ODOP, getting GI tags, and showcasing traditional art, agri, and food products — all about branding, marketing, and exports. The two states will also sign MoUs to solidify cooperation, aiming for tangible economic growth in both states. MP govt's information department said CM Yadav's conference aims to build a robust economic ecosystem by merging ODOP, GI tags, traditional crafts, export-ready products, investment, and tourism — backed by meaningful talks. His presence is expected to shift the focus from policy to actionable cooperation, paving the way for a strong, sustainable development model between MP and UP. To develop an integrated global platform for branding, marketing and exports of ODOP, GI and export-worthy products, the experiences of UP will be known to make it clear how local products can be made competitive in the global market. On this platform, deliberations will be held towards presenting the specialities of products from both states under a shared branding approach, which will develop new opportunities for export promotion and value addition.Both states will ink MoUs to formalize partnerships in trade, industry, skill development, handicrafts, and tourism. The deal is not just paperwork, but will translate to real opportunities for industries, entrepreneurs, and artisans on the ground. Expect concrete steps to promote ODOP products, expand their market reach, and boost brand value.This conference will provide a comprehensive and inclusive platform to the industry world, investors, artisans, agriculture and food producers and policymakers, where they will hold in-depth discussions on policy incentives, infrastructure development, logistic support and investment opportunities. The participation of diverse sectors such as textiles and apparel, handicrafts, MSME, food processing, logistics and tourism will make this event multi-dimensional. This will strengthen industry-govt coordination and create an environment that will accelerate investment decisions.An exhibition is also being organised to showcase MP's ODOP products, GI-tagged handicrafts, traditional textiles, investment prospects and industrial capabilities. A workshop will bring together Chanderi, Maheshwari, and Banarasi silk artisans to create a Ganga-Narmada Craft Corridor. They will blend traditional crafts with modern market needs, aiming for shared branding, expanded markets, and direct access for artisans.