The Ministry of Tourism has approved 117 tourism infrastructure projects with a total investment of ₹5,756.62 crore over the last two years to improve tourism facilities, enhance visitor experiences and promote sustainable destination development across the country.
The projects have been sanctioned under various flagship schemes, including Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, Challenge Based Destination Development Scheme, Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development, Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JUGA) and the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale.
Projects to Improve Tourism Infrastructure Nationwide
The approved projects span a wide range of tourism segments, including heritage, pilgrimage, eco-tourism, adventure tourism, rural tourism and tribal tourism. The initiative is aimed at creating modern tourism infrastructure while preserving the cultural, historical and natural significance of destinations across India.
State governments and Union Territory administrations will receive financial assistance for developing tourist amenities, improving accessibility and creating better visitor facilities.
Focus on Heritage, Spiritual and Eco-Tourism
Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, the Ministry has sanctioned projects worth ₹1,565.62 crore to develop unique tourism experiences at destinations across the country. These include beach tourism in Andhra Pradesh and Goa, Buddhist tourism in Bihar, eco-tourism in Lakshadweep, heritage projects in Tripura and adventure tourism initiatives in Haryana.
The Challenge Based Destination Development Scheme, with an approved investment of ₹687.99 crore, focuses on developing heritage towns, eco-tourism destinations, vibrant villages and spiritual tourism sites. Projects have been approved in states such as Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry and Uttarakhand.
The PRASHAD scheme has sanctioned projects worth ₹172.27 crore to improve infrastructure at major pilgrimage centres, including temple towns and religious sites in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Iconic Tourist Centres to Receive Major Investment
A significant portion of the funding—₹3,295.76 crore—has been allocated under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme to develop iconic tourist destinations on a global scale.
The projects include the development of destinations such as Gandikota Fort in Andhra Pradesh, Loktak Lake in Manipur, Hirakud and Satkosia in Odisha, Shravasti Buddhist Circuit in Uttar Pradesh, Rishikesh in Uttarakhand and several heritage and eco-tourism destinations across other states.
Digital Initiatives to Enhance Tourist Experience
Alongside infrastructure development, the Ministry is expanding digital services through the Incredible India Digital Platform, which offers travel information, multilingual support and integrated booking facilities for transport, accommodation and monument tickets.
The government is also promoting Indian tourism globally through international roadshows, digital campaigns, tourism fairs and collaborations with Indian missions abroad. The availability of the e-Visa facility for citizens of 174 countries is expected to further support international tourist arrivals.
Boosting Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism
The Ministry is also promoting niche tourism segments such as wellness, medical, adventure, rural, tribal, MICE and wedding tourism through dedicated strategies and policy initiatives. Programmes like “Meet in India” and “India Says I Do” are aimed at positioning the country as a preferred destination for business events and destination weddings.
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With the approval of 117 projects, the government expects to strengthen tourism infrastructure, generate employment, support local economies and improve the overall travel experience, while showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings to domestic and international visitors.