New Delhi: The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 40 tourism projects across 23 States at a total cost of ₹3,295.76 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)–Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale initiative. The projects, sanctioned in 2024-25, have received 100% central funding.
The initiative aims to develop iconic and lesser-known tourist destinations by improving infrastructure and the overall visitor experience, while supporting sustainable and responsible tourism.
How Projects Were Selected
The Ministry invited proposals from State Governments and assessed Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) on parameters including:
- Connectivity to the destination.
- Existing tourism ecosystem and infrastructure.
- Carrying capacity and availability of utility services.
- Expected increase in tourist footfall and tourist spending.
- Employment generation and potential to attract private investment.
- Sustainability and operation and maintenance arrangements.
The projects are being implemented by State agencies, while their progress is monitored through the institutional framework established under SASCI.
Projects Across Major Tourist Destinations
The sanctioned projects cover a wide range of heritage, cultural, ecological and adventure tourism destinations. Some of the major projects include:
- Gandikota and Akhanda Godavari in Andhra Pradesh.
- Assam State Zoo and Rang Ghar in Assam.
- Matsyagandha Lake and Karamchat Eco-Tourism and Adventure Hub in Bihar.
- Chitrotpala Film City and Tribal & Cultural Convention Centre in Chhattisgarh.
- Orchha and an International Convention Centre in Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.
- Loktak Lake Experience in Manipur.
- Hirakund and Satkosia in Odisha.
- Amber-Nahargarh and Jal Mahal in Rajasthan.
- Skywalk at Bhaleydhunga and Border Experience at Nathula in Sikkim.
- Ramappa Region Sustainable Tourism Circuit and Somasilla Wellness & Spiritual Retreat in Telangana.
- Bateshwar and Integrated Buddhist Tourism Development in Shrawasti in Uttar Pradesh.
- Iconic City Rishikesh: Rafting Base Station in Uttarakhand.
Project Progress
According to the latest project monitoring data provided by the Ministry, ₹2,644.79 crore had been released against the ₹3,295.76 crore sanctioned for the 2024-25 projects.
Most projects are under implementation, with progress varying across destinations. Gujarat’s Tented City and Convention Centre in Dhordo has been reported as physically completed, while some other projects are at early stages of implementation.
The data also records one project—Eco-Tourism Development of Tilaiyya in Jharkhand—as stalled.
Additional Tourism Assistance in 2025-26
The Department of Expenditure subsequently amended the SASCI guidelines for 2025-26. Under the amended provisions, Nagaland, Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh received ₹250 crore each for tourism projects under Part-II of SASCI.
This takes the additional assistance sanctioned to these three States to ₹750 crore, with the entire amount released.
Monitoring Through Digital Platform
The Ministry of Tourism uses the Program Management Information System (PMIS) to monitor destination-development projects and streamline information sharing and reporting among States, UTs and implementing agencies.
Under SASCI, the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) and Mission Directorate oversee implementation and promote coordination among relevant ministries.
Project DPRs must also address statutory clearances, carrying capacity, stakeholder consultation and sustainable operation and maintenance.
Background: What is SASCI?
The Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) is a Central Government scheme providing long-term, interest-free financial assistance to States for capital investment and infrastructure development.
Under its Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale initiative, funding supports tourism infrastructure, connectivity and visitor facilities to boost tourist footfall, spending and employment.
