In a big boost for the tourism sector, the Ministry of Tourism approved 40 projects worth Rs 3295.76 crore for development of lesser-known tourism sites across 23 states. In a statement released by the ministry, the government said, the initiative aims to ease pressure on high-traffic sites and promote a more balanced distribution of tourists across the country.
By focusing on lesser-known destinations, the ministry hopes to enhance the overall tourism experience, boost local economies, and ensure sustainable growth in the tourism sector through a strategic approach to new project selection, it added.
"The government investment in the project will act as a catalyst, stimulating economic growth and creating jobs. By leveraging private sector expertise and capital at destinations, the states can enhance public infrastructure, improve local amenities, and attract more tourists, ultimately boosting the regional economy and fostering long-term development," the statement read further.
The ministry is also emphasising for community-based tourism that empowers local populations and preserves cultural heritage, it added.
The state governments will be able to ensure long-term growth while safeguarding natural and cultural resources by adopting best practices, the state said. By adopting technology, states can streamline operations, optimize tourist flow, and provide sustainable, innovative solutions for growth in the sector.
List of the Approved Projects
Andhra Pradesh
1. Gandikota - Enriching the Fort and Gorge Experience - Rs 77.91 crore
2. Akhanda Godavari: (Havelock Bridge & Pushkar Ghat), Rajamahendravaram - Rs 94.44 crore
Arunachal Pradesh
3. Siang Adventure & Eco-Retreat, Pasighat - Rs 46.48 crore
Assam
4. Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden, Guwahati - Rs 97.12 crore
5. Beautification of Rang Ghar at Sivasagar - Rs 94.76 crore
Bihar
6. Development of Matsyagandha Lake, Saharsa - Rs 97.61 crore
7. Karamchat Eco-Tourism and Adventure Hub - Rs 49.51 crore
Chhattisgarh
8. Development of Chitrotpala Film City - Rs 95.79 crore
9. Development of Tribal & Cultural Convention Centre - Rs 51.87 crore
Goa
10. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum, Ponda - Rs 97.46 crore
11. Proposed Townsquare, Povorim - Rs 90.74 crore
Gujarat
12. Ecotourism Destination at Kerly (Mokarsagar), Porbandar - Rs 99.50 crore
13. Tented City and Convention Centre, Dhordo - Rs 51.56 crore
Jharkhand
14. Eco-Tourism Development of Tilaiyya, Koderma - Rs 34.87 crore
Karnataka
15. Ecotourism & Cultural Hub at Roerich and Devika Rani Estate Tataguni, Bengaluru - Rs 99.17 crore
16. Development of Savadatti Yallammagudda, Belgavi - Rs 100.0 crore
Kerala
17. Ashtamudi Biodiversity and Eco-recreational Hub, Kollam - Rs 59.71 crore
18. Sargaalaya: Global Gateway to Malabar's Cultural Crucible - Rs 95.34 crore
Madhya Pradesh
19. Orchha A Medieval Splendour - Rs 99.92 crore
20. International Convention Centre for MICE in Bhopal - Rs 99.38 crore
Maharashtra
21. Ex-INS Guldar Underwater Museum, Artificial Reef, and Submarine Tourism, Sindhudurg - Rs 46.91 crore
22. Development of "RAM-KAL PATH" at Nashik - Rs 99.14 crore
Manipur
23. Loktak Lake Experience - Rs 89.48 crore
Meghalaya
24. MICE Infrastructure at Mawkhanu, Shillong - Rs 99.27 crore
25. Re-development of Umiam Lake, Shillong - Rs 99.27 crore
Odisha
26. Development of Hirakud - Rs 99.90 crore
27. Development of Satkosia - Rs 99.99 crore
Punjab
28. Development of Heritage Street, SBS Nagar - Rs 53.45 crore
Rajasthan
29. Development at Amber-Nahargarh and surrounding Area, Jaipur - Rs 49.31 crore
30. Development at Jal Mahal, Jaipur - Rs 96.61 crore
Sikkim
31. Skywalk, Bhaleydhunga, Yangang, Namchi - Rs 97.37 crore
32. Border Experience, Nathula - Rs 68.19 crore
Tamil Nadu
33. Nandavanam Heritage Park at Mamallapuram - Rs 99.67 crore
34. Garden of flowers at Devala, Ooty - Rs 70.23 crore
Telangana
35. Ramappa Region Sustainable Tourism Circuit - Rs 73.74 crore
36. Somasilla Wellness & Spiritual Retreat Nallamala - Rs 68.10 crore
Tripura
37. 51 Shakti Peethas Park at Banduar, Gomati - Rs 97.70 crore
Uttar Pradesh
38. Development of Bateshwar, District- Agra - Rs 74.05 crore
39. Integrated Buddhist Tourism Development, Shrawasti - Rs 80.24 crore
Uttarakhand
40. Iconic City Rishikesh: Rafting Base Station - Rs 100.00 crore
