PRAYAGRAJ, Nov. 12 -- Once known solely for the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, Prayagraj could soon emerge as a new confluence of faiths and heritage. The city is set to play a pivotal role in Uttar Pradesh's expanding Buddhist tourism circuit, with new infrastructure, improved connectivity, and focused government initiatives giving a fresh boost to spiritual and heritage travel, claim officials and tour operators alike. They claim that the recent launch of the Varanasi-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express has brought Prayagraj closer to the country's major heritage cities. With the train halting at Chheoki station, both domestic and foreign tourists will now find it easier to include Prayagraj and nearby Kaushambi- a site deeply connected with Lord Buddha's life- in their travel itineraries, they stated. "Prayagraj is not just the Triveni of rivers, but also a confluence of religions- Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity," said Ganesh Kesarwani, Mayor of Prayagraj. "The new Varanasi-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express flagged off by PM Modi on November 8 will encourage foreign tourists to visit our heritage sites, generating new employment opportunities for local residents," he added. Tour operators, too, see the development as a turning point. Nilesh Narayan, chairman of the Tourism Welfare Association (Prayagraj Chapter) and director of Holy Waters India Journeys, said: "Connecting Varanasi and Khajuraho - two ancient heritage cities - through Vande Bharat is a major step forward. Heritage tourism has always been the first choice for foreign visitors, and now Prayagraj, with its rich history and Buddhist links, will be a natural inclusion." However, Narayan emphasized that to make Prayagraj a true heritage hub, more attention must be given to restoring and promoting sites such as Akbar's Fort, Khusro Bagh, the All Saints Cathedral Church, and the nearby Buddhist remains of Kaushambi. The state government has identified Kaushambi, located near Prayagraj, as a major Buddhist destination. Once the capital of the ancient Vatsa kingdom, Kaushambi is being developed into a modern Buddhist pilgrimage site. Regional tourism officer, Prayagraj, Aparajita Singh said the department is developing Kosam Inam village in Kaushambi as part of the Buddhist Circuit. A Buddha Theme Park spread over 11 hectares is under construction at a cost of Rs.22.93 crore, with 68% of the work already complete. The project includes a museum on the life of Lord Buddha, open-air theatre, murals, a cafeteria, and a guest house....