PM Narendra Modi unveiled a circuit house near the temple of Somnath

The newly-constructed circuit house near Somnath Temple in Gujarat's Gir Somnath area was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. During the virtual inauguration, Modi stated that the new circuit house will help pilgrims visiting the Somnath Temple in Prabhas Patan town find lodging.

"The need of a circuit house was felt as there was only one guest house which is also far from the temple. So, to accommodate people, the temple trust was always under pressure," he said.

Modi added, "But after this circuit house, which is not far away from the temple, the trust will not be pressurised and they will devote more time and attention to the temple. People from their rooms while staying at this circuit house will witness the sea waves and the temple too. With added facilities in Diu, Dwarka, Bet Dwarka, Somnath will be a centre point for the tourist circuit."

The new circuit house's 48-room four-story edifice, which is built on a 15,000-square-meter site with parking, is designed to provide lodging for pilgrims from all over the country.

PM Modi, who is also the chairman of the Shree Somnath Temple Trust, said he considers himself privileged to have been a part of so many advancements at the temple, including the recent opening of an exhibition gallery and promenade.

Modi mentioned that a pilgrim plaza and a complex plan for Somnath Temple is nearing completion, and that comparable amenities are also being suggested for the Ambaji Temple in Banaskantha district.

"From different states and corners of the world every year one crore pilgrims come to the Somnath Temple. When they return, they take along new experiences, beliefs and thoughts with them. Thus, the way the travel is important, equally important is the experience. Today, there are good roads, transport facilities and staying facilities for the pilgrims here, tourist facilitation centre, waste management for cleanliness. A pilgrim plaza and complex proposal for the Somnath Temple is in its final stages. Similar kinds of facilities are being proposed for the Ambaji Temple also," Modi added.

"Also, a special train from Delhi to Kashi will start tomorrow (Saturday)," the PM declared.

On the vaccination campaign in the country, the PM said, "In the government's vaccination campaign too it has been taken care that in tourist states, all are vaccinated on a priority basis. States like Goa and Uttarakhand have worked in this direction at a very good speed."

"The Statue of Unity, which is a pride of the country, was visited by more than 45 lakh people before the pandemic and till now more than 74 lakh tourists have visited," Modi added.