The Ministry of Tourism India has sanctioned 117 tourism infrastructure projects valued at ₹5,756.62 crore during the last two years. These projects span multiple central government schemes aiming to enhance tourism facilities, improve visitor experiences, and promote destinations nationwide.
Key Schemes and Investment Allocations
Projects were approved under the schemes Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development Scheme, PRASHAD, DA JUGA, and the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment aimed at developing iconic tourist centres. Swadesh Darshan 2.0 accounts for ₹1,565.62 crore of the investment, focusing on integrated development of tourism destinations. The Challenge Based Destination Development Scheme has secured ₹687.99 crore to promote
culture, heritage, spiritual and eco-tourism sites. Pilgrimage infrastructure has received ₹172.27 crore through the PRASHAD scheme. The Special Assistance scheme allocated ₹3,295.76 crore for large-scale projects to scale iconic tourist centres globally.
Major Projects Across Indian States
The sanctioned projects include diverse tourism types across numerous states. Andhra Pradesh features the Suryalanka Beach Experience and Gandikota Fort development. Bihar’s approved projects include the Buddhist Meditation Centre at Bodh Gaya and the Sonepur Fair site. Chhattisgarh’s Bhoramdeo Corridor and Goa’s Porvorim Creek and Colva Beach are also included. The Adventure Tourism Hub at Tikkar Taal in Haryana, Kerala’s Alappuzha Water Wonderland, and eco-tourism on Bangaram Island,
Lakshadweep are key highlights.
Other initiatives cover Khatu Shyam Ji Temple in Rajasthan, heritage villages in Tripura, spiritual sites like Ahobilam Temple, and Buddhist heritage at Nagarjuna Sagar, Andhra Pradesh. Assam’s Assam State Zoo and Rang Ghar beautification, heritage projects in Rajasthan, eco-tourism in Gujarat and Jharkhand, and spiritual tourism developments in Uttarakhand and Karnataka are part of the approved investments.
Digital and Promotional Initiatives
The Incredible India Digital Platform was relaunched in September 2024 to consolidate travel information and services. The revamped portal provides multilingual support, flight and hotel booking, and partnerships with online travel agents for digital travel assistance. Cultural tourism benefits
from the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative through festivals, exchange programs, and networking activities involving tourism and educational institutions.
International Promotion and Connectivity Enhancements
Global promotion includes roadshows, fairs, media campaigns, and food festivals, supported by e-Visa facilitation for citizens of 174 countries under nine visa categories. The Ministry coordinates with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to operate 53 identified tourism routes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), improving air access to remote and emerging tourist destinations.
Specialized Tourism Segments and National Strategies
The Ministry emphasizes niche areas such as spiritual, eco-tourism, adventure, tribal, rural, wellness, medical, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), wedding, and heritage tourism. National campaigns including ‘Meet in
India’ support MICE tourism, while ‘India Says I Do’ targets destination wedding tourism. Strategies focus on sustainable tourism, rural homestays, adventure, and wellness sectors across India.
Government Vision and Economic Impact
The ₹5,756.62 crore investment aims to build modern tourism infrastructure while preserving India’s cultural heritage and natural landscapes. The projects seek to enhance facilities for both domestic and international tourists, foster local employment, and strengthen regional economies. Through infrastructure development, digital innovation, and destination promotion, the Ministry of Tourism intends to position India as a competitive global tourism destination.
