The Ministry of Tourism, India, sanctioned 117 tourism infrastructure projects across the country during the last two years with a total approved investment of ₹5,756.62 crore. These projects are sanctioned under central government schemes including Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development Scheme, PRASHAD, Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA JUGA), and Special Assistance for Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale, aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure and improving visitor experiences.
Distribution of Investment Across Government Schemes
₹1,565.62 crore is allocated under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 projects like the Suryalanka Beach Experience in Andhra Pradesh, and the Buddhist Meditation and Experience Centre at Bodh Gaya, Bihar. The
Challenge Based Destination Development Scheme approves ₹687.99 crore for projects including Buddhist heritage at Nagarjuna Sagar, Andhra Pradesh, and spiritual tourism at Ahobilam Temple. PRASHAD projects totaling ₹172.27 crore include Annavaram Temple Town in Andhra Pradesh and Renuka Yallama Devi Temple facilities in Karnataka. The largest allocation of ₹3,295.76 crore under the Special Assistance Scheme supports projects such as Gandikota Fort and Gorge Experience in Andhra Pradesh, Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, and the Rang Ghar beautification project in Assam.
Key Locations and Project Examples
Tourism infrastructure developments are spread across diverse states to promote heritage, spiritual, eco-tourism, adventure, tribal, and rural tourism. Projects
include heritage initiatives in Rajasthan (Khatu Shyam Ji Temple), Madhya Pradesh (Orchha and Mandu), Tripura (heritage village), Karnataka (Bidar heritage tourism), and Puducherry (White Town development and Sri Dharbaranyeswara Temple pilgrimage facilities). Eco-tourism projects are underway in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat (Mokarsagar), Jharkhand (Tilaiyya), and Odisha (Hirakund and Satkosia). Adventure tourism is supported in Haryana at the Tikkar Taal hub, and water-based tourism in Kerala’s Alappuzha Water Wonderland and Lakshadweep’s Bangaram Island. Spiritual tourism facilities are developed in Uttarakhand (spiritual tourism and rafting base in Rishikesh) and Uttar Pradesh (Integrated Buddhist Tourism Development in Shravasti). Manipur is developing tourism around
Loktak Lake.
Incredible India Digital Platform Relaunch and Features
Relaunched in September 2024, the Incredible India Digital Platform offers multi-language travel information and services including online booking for flights, hotels, buses, cabs, and Archaeological Survey of India monument visits. The platform integrates digital travel assistance and collaborations with online travel agents to support visitors, enhancing India’s global tourism competitiveness.
Connectivity Improvements and Traveller Support
The Ministry of Tourism coordinated with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to identify 53 tourism routes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN) for improved air connectivity. Traveler support includes a 24×7 multilingual tourist helpline and the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification Programme for guides, ensuring quality tourist services.
The Ministry’s tourism development strategy promotes niche segments such as spiritual, eco, adventure, rural, tribal, wellness, medical, MICE, wedding, and heritage tourism. It further supports cultural exchange efforts through the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative and simplifies foreign travel with e-Visa availability in nine categories for citizens of 174 countries.
