The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will provide loan assistance to the tune 9,495 million Japanese Yen (Rs. 395.63 crore approximately) for Uttar Pradesh Buddhist Circuit Development Project, Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja said here today while addressing the Economic Editors' Conference.

The project includes development of Buddhist centres situated at Sarnath, Kushi Nagar, Kapila Vastu, Sravasti and Sankisa.

There will be improvement of nearly 74 km of roads, storm water drainage system at Kushinagar and Sravasti, site attraction enhancement in the area and signage at archaeological sites, she said.

The ministry is also organising an international meet with all stakeholders and media representatives in Nalanda in February next year to showcase India's Buddhist heritage.