Development of Spiritual Corridors in Kashi, Ayodhya and Mathura
The Ministry of Culture, through the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has undertaken infrastructural and aesthetic development of spiritual corridors in three major pilgrimage destinations: Kashi (Varanasi), Ayodhya, and Mathura. These projects are sanctioned under multiple tourism infrastructure schemes including Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD), Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), Assistance to Central Agencies (ACA), and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).
Projects are sanctioned based on proposals received from respective State Governments/UT Administrations, subject to prescribed scheme guidelines and availability of funds. The development approach integrates modern visitor amenities while preserving the cultural, architectural, and heritage character of these spiritual destinations to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience.
Project-Specific Progress Details
In Kashi (Varanasi), development work includes Phase I & II development of Varanasi, development of River Cruise Tourism on the Ganga, and illumination of monuments and heritage sites including Dashashwamedh Ghat to Darbhanga Ghat, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Sarnath Museum, Dhamekh Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Tomb of Lal Khan, and Man Mahal.
For Ayodhya, the development focuses on the Ramayana Circuit development. In Mathura–Vrindavan, work includes construction of a Tourist Facilitation Centre, development of the Mathura–Vrindavan as a Mega Tourist Circuit, and development of infrastructure facilities at Govardhan.
Expected Socio-Economic Impact and Sustainability Measures
The tourism infrastructure developed under these schemes is expected to generate positive socio-economic outcomes by promoting cultural tourism, increasing tourist footfall, and creating additional livelihood opportunities for local artisans, tourist guides, and stakeholders in the hospitality and allied sectors.
To promote cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and ecological balance around heavily visited heritage sites, the Ministry encourages States/UTs to incorporate sustainable components in sanctioned projects. These include solid waste management systems, sewage treatment facilities, public sanitation infrastructure, landscaping and plantation, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient and solar lighting systems, eco-friendly mobility solutions, and other environmentally responsible measures.
This information was formally provided by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on July 23, 2026.