Bhagalpur, Jan. 2: The Vikramshila ruins in Antichak drew 1.25 lakh visitors on New Year's Day reviving hopes of those wanting its inclusion into the state's Buddha circuit and as a World Heritage site.

All roads to this half-excavated site in Kahalgaon sub-division, 48 km east of Bhagalpur district headquarters, were packed. The huge turnout created problems for the Archaeological Survey of India unit even though this was the first time it earned Rs 1.5 lakh from just ticket sales.

The ASI charges Rs 15 per head for entry.

"We began issuing computerised tickets but switched to manual as it was difficult to keep up with the crowd," said Anuragh Kumar, in-charge of ASI's Vikramshila unit. By 2pm the rush was huge and they let everyone in for free.