Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Government is moving ahead with an ambitious plan to strengthen the state’s tourism economy by simultaneously promoting premium tourism and spiritual tourism. As part of this strategy, the government is preparing to develop an Integrated Tourism City at Patwadangar in Nainital and a Spiritual Economic Zone (SEZ) at Bilkedar in Srinagar tehsil.
Both projects aim to attract private investment, improve tourism infrastructure, generate employment and position Uttarakhand as a major destination for luxury, wellness and spiritual tourism.
₹600 Crore Integrated Tourism City Planned at Patwadangar
The responsibility for developing the Integrated Tourism City at Patwadangar has been assigned to the Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Board (UIIDB).
The board has already invited bids from investors through a tender process for the project, which will be developed across 80 acres of land.
The project is expected to attract an investment of around ₹600 crore and transform Patwadangar into one of Uttarakhand’s premier hill tourism destinations.
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Luxury Hotels and Premium Tourism Infrastructure Planned
The proposed tourism city will feature world-class hospitality and leisure facilities designed to attract domestic and international visitors.
Key proposed developments include:
- More than 200 luxury hotels
- Four-star and five-star hotels
- Premium resorts
- Spa and wellness centres
- Conference and convention centres
- Premium restaurants
- Boutique hotels
- Luxury villas and cottages
- Adventure tourism facilities
- Nature tourism attractions
- Modern parking facilities
- Other advanced tourism infrastructure
The final project layout will be prepared after the completion of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and approval from the state government.
Bilkedar to Become Uttarakhand’s First Spiritual Economic Zone
The Uttarakhand Government is also accelerating work on its first Spiritual Economic Zone (SEZ) at Bilkedar in Srinagar tehsil.
The project forms part of the state’s broader plan to develop new spiritual towns around stations on the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Railway Line.
Currently, work is progressing on the master plan and project management consultancy for the ambitious initiative.
Project to Combine Spiritual Tourism With Local Economic Growth
The proposed Spiritual Economic Zone is designed to integrate religious tourism with multiple sectors that contribute to the local economy.
The project aims to promote:
- Yoga and meditation
- Ayurveda and wellness tourism
- Cultural tourism
- Religious tourism
- Local handicrafts
- Agriculture-based businesses
- Hospitality services
- Transportation and allied sectors
Located on the Char Dham Yatra route, Bilkedar is expected to become a major destination where pilgrims stay longer, benefiting hotels, local businesses, artisans and service providers.
Master Plan to Define Investment Model
According to the Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Board, the investment framework for the Spiritual Economic Zone will be prepared after the completion of the master plan.
The report will determine:
- Land use planning
- Infrastructure development
- Investment opportunities
- Public-private partnership models
- Long-term tourism strategy
Officials believe the project will help position Uttarakhand as a leading destination for spiritual and wellness tourism.
Government Aims to Create Jobs and Attract Private Investment
Through both projects, the Uttarakhand Government intends to:
- Attract significant private investment.
- Create new employment opportunities.
- Strengthen the state’s tourism-based economy.
- Improve premium hospitality infrastructure.
- Promote sustainable mountain and spiritual tourism.
- Enhance local livelihoods through tourism-led development.
The projects are expected to contribute significantly to Uttarakhand’s long-term economic growth while preserving its natural and spiritual heritage.
Official Statement
Ajay Mishra, Joint Managing Director of the Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Board (UIIDB), said that tenders have already been invited for the Premium Tourism City at Patwadangar, while work on the master plan for the Bilkedar Spiritual Economic Zone is progressing rapidly.
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