There is a historic trail from what was Tamralipta harbour and is now known as Tamluk to Bodh Gaya which was taken by the son and daughter Mahendra and Sanghamitra of Maurya emperor Ashoka.

"We have received a report from experts consisting noted historians who had worked for over six months studying the region and history. The report is encouraging," the state tourism minister Dinesh Dakua said at the inaugural function of the 43rd Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) on Saturday

The government, he said, has appointed a consultant to prepare a detailed project report on the potential to prepare a replica of Tamralipta harbour which is now buried.

The report is expected in a year's time and based on it the project will be taken up.

The government is also trying to build mass tourist infrastructure to encourage low income groups to travel, he added.