The Government of India has approved an investment of Rs 3,295.76 crore for the development of 40 projects across 23 Indian states. The initiative aims to enhance tourism infrastructure and upgrade iconic tourist centers to global standards.
“Tourism has the potential to bring prosperity to the lives of many. Our government will keep focusing on enhancing India’s tourism infrastructure to ensure more people from globe across can experience the wonders of Incredible India,” PM Modi posted on X.
The Prime Minister’s comment came in response to Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat’s announcement on the approval of the projects.
“Ensuring the whole world sees every nook and corner of Bharat, one iconic site at a time! In a huge boost for Bharat’s tourism sector, our govt led by PM Narendra Modi has approved 40 projects across 23 states under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, to develop iconic tourist centers to global standards,” Minister Shekhawat said on X.
“The aim of SASCI is to develop iconic tourist centers to global standards. It will foster local economies and create employment through sustainable tourism,” also said the Tourism-Minister. As such, 40 tourism projects got approval to boost lesser-known destinations in India.
Ministry of Tourism had circulated the SASCI guidelines to the state governments with a request to formulate and submit the project proposals to the ministry.
Forty projects worth over Rs 3,295 crore and spanning 23 states have received nod from the Centre for developing lesser-known destinations into iconic sites and promote a more balanced distribution of tourists across the country.
It was shared that from decongesting popular sites, integrating advanced technologies, promoting sustainable practices to encouraging public-private partnerships to enhance infra and visitor experiences, a host of measures will be undertaken to ensure a world-class experience for everyone who wishes to soak in Bharat’s natural, cultural and historic grandeur.
As per the directives of the Department of Expenditure, the Ministry of Tourism had issued operational guidelines for Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI). The Ministry had requested the concerned state governments with to formulate and submit the project proposals, which are iconic in nature and can create impactful destinations.
The Projects
By the last date of submission, a total of 87 project proposals were received costing more than Rs 8,000 crore. Thereafter, the Ministry of Tourism in line with the guidelines and as per the procedure or criteria, shortlisted 40 projects across 23 states for Rs 3295.76 crore which have now been sanctioned by the Department of Expenditure.
The projects include the Gandikota Fort, Havelock Bridge and Pushkaram Ghat in Andhra Pradesh. The Siang adventure and eco at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh, the Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden in Guwahati and the beautification of Rang Ghar at Sivasagar.
Other projects include an ecotourism and cultural hub at the Roerich and Devika Rani estate in Bengaluru’s Tataguni, the re-development of Umiam Lake, Shillong, border experience at Nathula Pass in Sikkim, a rafting base station in Rishikesh, Nandavanam Heritage Park in Mamallapuram (near Chennai), a bio-diversity and eco-recreational hub in Kerala’s Ashtamudi backwaters to underwater tourism in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg.
Some of the selected destinations also include Matsyagandha Lake, Saharsa (Bihar), proposed Town Square, Porvorim (Goa), and Orchha (Madhya Pradesh), among others.
These projects, worth many crores, will foster local economies and create employment through sustainable tourism. From decongesting popular sites, integrating advanced technologies, and promoting sustainable practices, to encouraging public-private partnerships to enhance infrastructure and visitor experiences, measures will also be undertaken for a world-class experience, while being in India.
As part of this initiative, the Tourism Ministry is addressing the overcrowding at popular destinations by encouraging State governments to identify alternative locations for tourism development. The Centre has also approved interest-free loans to States for the development of tourism sites and infrastructure. Through this initiative, the Union Tourism Ministry has also encouraged States to develop lesser-known tourist destinations, including Bateshwar in Uttar Pradesh, Ponda in Goa, Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh, and Porbandar in Gujarat.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan had also urged the Union government to provide necessary support and funds for tourism projects in the State that will serve as the crown jewels of the State.
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