New Delhi: The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 117 tourism infrastructure projects worth ₹5,756.62 crore across India during the last two years to strengthen tourism facilities, improve visitor experiences and promote destinations under various central schemes.
The projects have been approved under initiatives including Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development Scheme, PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive), Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development, Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA JUGA) and the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale.
The Ministry aims to create modern tourism infrastructure while preserving India’s cultural heritage, natural landscapes and local traditions.
Government Schemes Supporting Tourism Infrastructure Growth
The Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for developing tourism destinations according to approved scheme guidelines and availability of funds.
Under these programmes, projects have been sanctioned for:
- Heritage and cultural destinations
- Spiritual and pilgrimage centres
- Eco-tourism locations
- Adventure tourism hubs
- Tribal tourism areas
- Rural tourism destinations
- Tourist amenities and infrastructure development
The initiative is expected to improve facilities for domestic and international travellers while creating employment opportunities in local communities.
Major Tourism Development Projects Across States
The sanctioned projects cover destinations across several states and Union Territories.
Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, projects include development of tourism experiences at destinations such as:
- Suryalanka Beach Experience in Andhra Pradesh
- Buddhist Meditation and Experience Centre at Bodh Gaya, Bihar
- Bhoramdeo Corridor Development in Chhattisgarh
- Porvorim Creek Experience and Colva Beach Experience in Goa
- Adventure Tourism Hub at Tikkar Taal in Haryana
- Alappuzha Water Wonderland in Kerala
- Eco-retreat and adventure tourism development at Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep
- Khatu Shyam Ji Temple development in Rajasthan
- Heritage Village and cultural experience projects in Tripura
The total sanctioned cost under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 projects is ₹1,565.62 crore.
Focus on Spiritual, Cultural and Eco-Tourism Destinations
Under the Challenge Based Destination Development Scheme, the Ministry has approved projects focused on specialised tourism categories including culture, heritage, spirituality, eco-tourism and vibrant villages.
Important projects include:
- Buddhist heritage development at Nagarjuna Sagar, Andhra Pradesh
- Spiritual tourism development at Ahobilam Temple
- Eco-tourism projects in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam
- Development of Sonepur Fair site in Bihar
- Heritage development of Vadnagar in Gujarat
- Tourism infrastructure at Kaza in Himachal Pradesh
- Development of Orchha and Mandu in Madhya Pradesh
- Heritage tourism projects in Bidar, Karnataka
- White Town development in Puducherry
- Spiritual tourism projects in Uttarakhand
The total approved investment under this scheme stands at ₹687.99 crore.
PRASHAD Scheme Strengthening Pilgrimage Tourism Infrastructure
The Ministry is also focusing on improving facilities at major religious and pilgrimage destinations through the PRASHAD scheme.
Projects approved include:
- Annavaram Temple Town development in Andhra Pradesh
- Ambika Bhawani Temple development in Bihar
- Bom Jesus Basilica development in Goa
- Renuka Yallama Devi Temple facilities in Karnataka
- Navagraha Temple development in Tamil Nadu
- Pilgrimage facilities at Sri Dharbaranyeswara Temple in Puducherry
The total investment approved under PRASHAD projects is ₹172.27 crore.
Development of Iconic Tourist Centres Through Special Assistance Scheme
Under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale, several large-scale tourism projects have been approved.
Major projects include:
- Gandikota Fort and Gorge Experience in Andhra Pradesh
- Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden in Guwahati
- Rang Ghar beautification in Assam
- Eco-tourism destination at Mokarsagar in Gujarat
- Eco-tourism development of Tilaiyya in Koderma, Jharkhand
- Loktak Lake Experience in Manipur
- Hirakund and Satkosia development in Odisha
- Heritage and tourism projects in Rajasthan
- Integrated Buddhist Tourism Development in Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh
- Rafting Base Station development in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
The total sanctioned amount under this category is ₹3,295.76 crore.
Incredible India Digital Platform Enhancing Tourist Experience
The Ministry is promoting tourism through the Incredible India Digital Platform, which works as a single digital gateway for travellers.
The revamped platform, launched in September 2024, provides:
- Travel information and curated tourism content
- Multiple language support
- Online booking facilities for flights, hotels, buses, cabs and ASI monuments
- Digital travel assistance through partnerships with Online Travel Agents
The Ministry is also using social media campaigns, digital promotions and influencer collaborations to attract more visitors.
Promotion of Cultural Tourism Through Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
The Ministry of Tourism continues to support the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) initiative through tourism-related programmes.
Activities include:
- Bharat Parv celebrations during Republic Day events
- Cultural exchange programmes
- Student exchange activities
- Regional cuisine festivals
- Tourism networking programmes
- Heritage and tradition promotion activities
Institutions including hotel management institutes, tourism institutes and India Tourism offices participate in these programmes to encourage cultural exchange and national integration.
India Expands International Tourism Promotion
The Ministry has taken several steps to increase international tourist arrivals by promoting India in global markets.
Key initiatives include:
- International tourism roadshows
- Participation in global tourism fairs
- Media and digital campaigns
- Food festivals abroad
- Collaboration with Indian missions and tourism stakeholders
The government has also simplified travel procedures through the e-Visa facility, which is available under nine categories for citizens of 174 countries.
Better Connectivity and Tourist Support Services
To improve tourist convenience, the Ministry has introduced several measures:
- 24×7 multilingual tourist helpline
- Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification Programme
- Recognition of guides under the Incredible India Tourist Guide system
- Coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation under RCS-UDAN
Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, 53 tourism routes have been identified to improve air connectivity to tourist destinations.
Focus on Niche Tourism and Sustainable Development
The Ministry is promoting various specialised tourism segments including:
- Spiritual tourism
- Eco-tourism
- Adventure tourism
- Rural tourism
- Tribal tourism
- Wellness tourism
- Medical tourism
- MICE tourism
- Wedding tourism
- Heritage tourism
National strategies have been prepared for sustainable tourism, rural tourism, rural homestays, adventure tourism, eco-tourism and medical wellness tourism.
The Ministry has also launched initiatives such as “Meet in India” for MICE tourism and “India Says I Do” for destination weddings.
Government Vision for India’s Tourism Growth
Through large-scale infrastructure investments, digital innovation and destination development, the Ministry of Tourism aims to make India a globally competitive tourism destination.
The ₹5,756.62 crore investment in 117 projects is expected to improve tourist facilities, strengthen local economies, create employment opportunities and showcase India’s diverse cultural and natural heritage to visitors from across the world.
