Tourism Ministry Sanctions 117 Projects Worth ₹5,756.62 Crore to Develop Tourism Infrastructure

The Ministry of Tourism has undertaken several initiatives during the last two years to promote tourism through infrastructure development, digital promotion and expansion of basic amenities across the country.

Scale of Investment
- 117 projects sanctioned worth ₹5,756.62 crores across multiple schemes.
- Financial support provided under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development, PRASHAD, Assistance to Central Agencies (ACA), DA-JUGA (tribal homestays), and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).

Swadesh Darshan 2.0:
Projects like Suryalanka Beach (AP), Bodh Gaya Meditation Centre (Bihar), Bhoramdeo Corridor (Chhattisgarh), Eco-retreat at Bangaram (Lakshadweep), Shivshrusthi Theme Park (Maharashtra), and Khatu Shyam Ji Temple (Rajasthan).

Challenge Based Destination Development:
Focused on heritage, spiritual, eco-tourism, and vibrant villages — e.g., Nagarjuna Sagar Buddhist Heritage (AP), Bidar Heritage (Karnataka), Rameswaram transformation (Tamil Nadu), Mana Haat (Uttarakhand).

PRASHAD:
Pilgrimage infrastructure at Annavaram Temple (AP), Bom Jesus Basilica (Goa), Navagraha Temples (TN), Ambika Bhawani Temple (Bihar).

ACA:
Illumination at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple (TN), 3D mapping at Buxar (Bihar).

DA-JUGA:
Tribal homestays in Maredumili (AP), Aryan Valley (Ladakh), Mizoram clusters, Chakrata (Uttarakhand).

SASCI:
Large-scale projects like INS-Guldar Underwater Museum (Maharashtra), Amber-Nahargarh development (Jaipur), Loktak Lake Experience (Manipur), Rishikesh Rafting Base Station (Uttarakhand).

Digital Promotion
- Incredible India Digital Platform: Revamped in Sept 2024, multilingual, integrates booking for flights, hotels, cabs, buses, and ASI monument tickets.
- Promotion via social media campaigns, influencer collaborations, and international tourism fairs.

Cultural Integration
- Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB): Tourism events like Bharat Parv and Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025.
- Institutes (IHMs, IITTM, ICI) organize student exchanges, cuisine festivals, cultural programmes to foster national integration.

Ease of Travel
- Visa regime liberalized: e-Visa available for nationals of 174 countries under 9 categories.
- Tourist Helpline: 24x7 multilingual support.
- Tourist Guide Certification: IITFC & IITG systems for professional guides.
- Connectivity: 53 tourism routes identified under RCS-UDAN; coordination with Home Affairs for restricted/protected areas.

Niche Tourism Focus
- Strategies for sustainable tourism, rural homestays, MICE, adventure, eco, medical & wellness tourism.
- Campaigns: Meet in India (MICE), India Says I Do (destination weddings).
- Adventure Tourism Safety Framework introduced.

This shows a multi-pronged approach: infrastructure + digital + cultural + ease of travel + niche products.