New Delhi, July 22 (APAC Media): The Ministry of Tourism has approved 117 tourism infrastructure projects worth Rs 5,756.62 crore across the country over the past two years.
The projects aim to strengthen tourism infrastructure, improve visitor facilities and promote India’s cultural, spiritual and natural destinations through multiple Central schemes.
The sanctioned projects cover heritage sites, pilgrimage centres, eco tourism destinations, tribal circuits, adventure hubs and rural tourism locations.
Projects Approved Under Multiple Central Schemes
The projects have been sanctioned under:
– Swadesh Darshan 2.0
– Challenge Based Destination Development Scheme
– PRASHAD
– Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development
– Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JUGA)
– Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale.
The Ministry said the initiatives are designed to modernise tourism infrastructure while preserving India’s heritage, local traditions and natural ecosystems.
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Gets Rs 1,565 Crore Push
Projects worth ₹1,565.62 crore have been approved under Swadesh Darshan 2.0.
Major destinations include:
– Suryalanka Beach in Andhra Pradesh
– Buddhist Meditation Centre at Bodh Gaya in Bihar
– Bhoramdeo Corridor in Chhattisgarh
– Porvorim Creek and Colva Beach in Goa
– Tikkar Taal in Haryana
– Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep
– Khatu Shyam Ji Temple in Rajasthan.
Focus on Heritage, Spiritual and Eco-Tourism
The Challenge Based Destination Development Scheme has received approvals worth ₹687.99 crore.
The projects include tourism infrastructure at Nagarjuna Sagar, Ahobilam Temple, Vadnagar, Kaza, Orchha, Mandu, Bidar, White Town in Puducherry and spiritual destinations in Uttarakhand.
PRASHAD Boosts Pilgrimage Infrastructure
Under the PRASHAD scheme, projects worth ₹172.27 crore have been sanctioned to improve infrastructure at major religious destinations.
These include:
– Annavaram Temple Town
– Ambika Bhawani Temple
– Bom Jesus Basilica
– Renuka Yallama Devi Temple
– Navagraha Temple
– Sri Dharbaranyeswara Temple.
₹3,295 Crore for Iconic Tourist Centres
The biggest allocation of Rs 3,295.76 crore has been approved under the Special Assistance to States scheme for developing iconic tourist destinations.
Major projects include:
– Gandikota Fort
– Loktak Lake
– Shravasti Buddhist Circuit
– Hirakud, Satkosia
– Rang Ghar
– Mokarsagar and a rafting base station in Rishikesh.
Digital Push to Tourism
The Ministry is also expanding digital tourism services through the Incredible India Digital Platform, launched in September 2024.
The platform offers multilingual travel information, curated tourism content and integrated booking facilities for transport, hotels and ASI monuments.
The government is also promoting tourism through digital campaigns, influencer collaborations and international roadshows.
Connectivity and Global Promotion
To improve tourist access, the Ministry has identified 53 tourism routes under the RCS-UDAN scheme to enhance regional air connectivity.
The government is also promoting India internationally through tourism fairs, roadshows, media campaigns and collaborations with Indian missions abroad.
The e-Visa facility, now available for citizens of 174 countries under nine categories, is expected to further boost foreign tourist arrivals.
Boost for Economy and Employment
The large-scale investment is expected to improve tourism infrastructure, generate employment, strengthen local economies and enhance visitor experiences across the country.
The Ministry said the projects will help position India as a globally competitive tourism destination.
It will also ensure sustainable development and preservation of its rich cultural and natural heritage.
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