New Delhi : In a major boost to India’s tourism sector, the Centre has approved an investment of Rs 3,295.76 crore to fund 40 projects across 23 states aimed at developing iconic tourist destinations to global standards. The announcement, made on Friday, is expected to enhance India’s tourism infrastructure, create employment, and promote sustainable tourism practices.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, responding to the approval of the projects, highlighted the immense potential of tourism to drive prosperity. “Tourism has the potential to bring prosperity to the lives of many. Our Government will keep focussing on enhancing India’s tourism infrastructure to ensure more people can experience the wonders of Incredible India,” PM Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The approval was announced by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who noted that the 40 projects will be carried out under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. “In a huge boost for Bharat’s tourism sector, our government led by PM Narendra Modi has today approved 40 projects across 23 states to develop iconic tourist centers to global standards,” Shekhawat posted on X.
Key Projects for Tourism Development
The 40 projects span a wide range of initiatives, from heritage site restoration and ecotourism hubs to the promotion of adventure tourism and infrastructural upgrades. Among the prominent projects are the development of Gandikota Fort, Havelock Bridge, and Pushkaram Ghat in Andhra Pradesh; an adventure and eco-tourism project at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh; the Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden in Guwahati; and the beautification of Rang Ghar in Sivasagar, Assam.
Other notable projects include:
- An ecotourism and cultural hub at the Roerich and Devika Rani estate in Bengaluru.
- Redevelopment of Umiam Lake in Shillong, Meghalaya.
- A border tourism experience at Nathula Pass in Sikkim.
- The establishment of a rafting base station in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.
- Nandavanam Heritage Park in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, near Chennai.
- Underwater tourism development in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra.
- A biodiversity and eco-recreational hub in Kerala’s Ashtamudi backwaters.
These projects aim to decongest popular tourist sites, integrate cutting-edge technologies, and promote sustainable practices. They will also focus on enhancing public-private partnerships to improve infrastructure and the overall visitor experience.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The government emphasized that these initiatives are not just about enhancing tourist infrastructure but also about fostering local economies and creating jobs. The tourism sector is seen as a key driver of employment in rural and underdeveloped areas, with many of these projects focused on regions that could benefit from increased tourism activities.
“The aim of SASCI is to develop iconic tourist centres to global standards, which will foster local economies and create employment through sustainable tourism,” Minister Shekhawat stated. He added that the government’s focus would be on integrating advanced technologies, promoting eco-friendly practices, and ensuring that every tourist destination in India meets the highest global standards of safety, accessibility, and visitor experience.
Public and Private Sector Collaboration
The success of these projects will depend on strong public-private collaborations. The government is encouraging private investment to complement its funding and expertise. The move aims to provide world-class infrastructure while ensuring that the cultural and environmental integrity of the sites is preserved.
With the approval of these projects, the government hopes to put India on the global tourism map by not only attracting international tourists but also by encouraging domestic travel to new and lesser-known destinations.
As India prepares to offer a more diverse and inclusive tourism experience, these developments reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to making India an attractive destination for global travelers, and to positioning tourism as a key pillar of the nation’s economic growth.