The Ministry of Tourism announced the creation of a Cultural Corridor under the PRASHAD Scheme

The Ministry of Tourism announced on 29 January 2026 the creation of a Cultural Corridor under the PRASHAD Scheme, aimed at developing and promoting religious and pilgrimage tourism across India by supporting state governments and UT administrations with infrastructure and cultural projects.

About the PRASHAD Scheme
- Full Form: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive.
- Launched: 2014 by the Ministry of Tourism.
- Objective: Provide financial assistance to states/UTs for developing tourism infrastructure at identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations.
- Scope: Covers religious, spiritual, and cultural sites across India.

Cultural Corridor Initiative (2026)
- Purpose: To integrate multiple pilgrimage and heritage destinations into a connected cultural corridor, enhancing visitor experience and promoting cultural tourism.
- Implementation: Projects are executed by state governments/UT administrations, with funding and guidance from the Ministry of Tourism.
- Focus Areas:
- Development of tourist amenities (roads, lighting, sanitation, accommodation).
- Interpretation centres to narrate cultural and spiritual significance.
- Digital promotion of heritage sites for wider accessibility.
- Community involvement to ensure local traditions and crafts are showcased.

Current Status of PRASHAD Projects
- Projects Sanctioned: 54 projects across 28 states/UTs since inception.
- Examples:
- Andhra Pradesh: Development of Srisailam and Amaravati sites.
- Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Mathura-Vrindavan.
- Punjab: Amritsar heritage and spiritual circuits.
- Kerala: Sabarimala and Guruvayur temple infrastructure upgrades.

Significance of the Cultural Corridor
- Tourism Boost: Enhances domestic and international pilgrimage tourism.
- Economic Growth: Generates employment through hospitality, transport, and handicrafts.
- Cultural Preservation: Safeguards intangible heritage like rituals, crafts, and oral traditions.
- National Integration: Connects diverse spiritual traditions into a unified cultural narrative.

Challenges
- Delays: Some projects face delays due to tendering issues, limited state capacity, and documentation gaps.
- Coordination: Requires strong collaboration between central and state agencies.
- Sustainability: Balancing tourism growth with preservation of fragile heritage sites.

✅ Takeaway: The Cultural Corridor under PRASHAD Scheme is a landmark step to connect India’s diverse pilgrimage and heritage destinations, ensuring better infrastructure, cultural preservation, and enhanced tourism experiences.