Tourism Ministry Sanctions 117 Projects Worth ₹5,756.62 Crore for Infrastructure Development
The Ministry of Tourism has undertaken significant infrastructure development initiatives over the last two years through multiple schemes including Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development, Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD), Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development, and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA JUGA). Additionally, under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale initiative, financial assistance was provided to States during 2024-25 for tourism projects.
Project Allocation by Scheme
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme: Sanctioned 24 projects worth ₹1,565.62 crore across various states including Andhra Pradesh (₹97.52 crore for Suryalanka Beach), Bihar (₹165.44 crore for Buddhist Meditation Centre in Bodh Gaya), Chhattisgarh (₹146.00 crore for Bhoramdeo Corridor), Goa (₹43.95 crore for Porvorim Creek and Colva Beach experiences), and other states including Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Tripura.
Challenge Based Destination Development Scheme: Approved 37 projects worth ₹687.99 crore covering categories such as Culture & Heritage, Spiritual Tourism, Ecotourism, Amrit Dharohar Sites, and Vibrant Village Programme. Notable allocations include Andhra Pradesh (₹50 crore for Nagarjuna Sagar and Ahobilam Temple), Arunachal Pradesh (₹14.86 crore for Kibitho and Bichom Dam), Assam (₹9.99 crore for Panidhing Bird Sanctuary), and various other states with projects ranging from ₹4.96 crore to ₹25 crore each.
PRASHAD Scheme: Sanctioned 9 projects worth ₹172.27 crore for pilgrimage infrastructure development including Andhra Pradesh (₹25.33 crore for Annavaram Temple), Bihar (₹13.29 crore for Ambika Bhawani Temple), Goa (₹16.46 crore for Bom Jesus Basilica), Karnataka (₹40.62 crore for Renuka Yallama Devi and Papnash temples), Mizoram (₹5.47 crore for Vangchhia amenities), Puducherry (₹25.94 crore for Sri Dharbaranyeswara Temple), Tamil Nadu (₹40.94 crore for 8 Navagraha Temples), and Telangana (₹4.22 crore for Renuka Yellama Devasthanam).
Assistance to Central Agencies (ACA) Scheme: Approved 2 projects worth ₹17.46 crore implemented by ITDC (₹11.47 crore for illumination works at Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, Tamil Nadu) and BECIL (₹5.99 crore for 3D mapping and projection shows at Buxar and Ram Rekha Ghat, Bihar).
DA-JUGA Scheme: Sanctioned 5 tribal homestay projects worth ₹17.52 crore in Andhra Pradesh (₹1.23 crore for Maredumili cluster), Ladakh (₹4.59 crore for Sham, Suru and Aryan valleys), Madhya Pradesh (₹5.00 crore for Karanjiya and Pushparajgarh clusters), Mizoram (₹5.00 crore for Central and Southern clusters), and Uttarakhand (₹1.70 crore for Chakrata cluster).
Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI): Approved 40 iconic tourist centre projects worth ₹3,295.76 crore across all states and union territories, with individual project allocations ranging from ₹34.87 crore to ₹100.00 crore. Major projects include Uttarakhand (₹100.00 crore for Rishikesh rafting base), Karnataka (₹100.00 crore for Savadatti-Yallammagudda), multiple projects in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu.
Digital Promotion and Ease of Travel Initiatives
The Ministry promotes tourism through the revamped Incredible India Digital Platform launched in September 2024, featuring multi-language support, curated travel content, and integrated booking services for flights, hotels, cabs, buses, and ASI monument tickets through partnerships with Online Travel Agents. Promotion is further enhanced through social media campaigns and influencer collaborations.
To improve ease of travel, the government has liberalized the visa regime with e-Visa facility available under nine sub-categories for nationals of 174 countries. The Ministry provides 24x7 Multi-lingual Tourist Helpline and has introduced the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification Programme. The Ministry is also working with Civil Aviation Ministry to improve connectivity under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), identifying 53 tourism routes.
Niche Tourism Promotion
The Ministry promotes specialized tourism segments including spiritual, eco, adventure, rural, tribal, wellness, medical, MICE, and wedding tourism through dedicated national strategies and initiatives such as the "Meet in India" sub-brand for MICE tourism, "India Says I Do" campaign for destination weddings, and Model Adventure Tourism Safety Framework.