Tourism Ministry approves 40 Projects worth Rs. 3295.76 Crore for Development of lesser-known Tourism sites in 23 States

The Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, in a big boost for tourism sector, has approved 40 Projects worth Rs. 3295.76 Crore for development of lesser-known Tourism sites in 23 States, across the country. 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.

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 Ministry is also emphasising for community-based tourism that empowers local populations and preserves cultural heritage. By integrating sustainable practices into tourism planning, State Governments will be able to ensure long-term growth while safeguarding natural and cultural resources by adopting best practices. The Ministry of Tourism is also encouraging State Governments to integrate advanced technologies into their tourism projects. By adopting technology, States can streamline operations, optimize tourist flow, and provide sustainable, innovative solutions for growth in the sector.

Background

Under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme of Department of Expenditure, M/o Finance, the operational guidelines for Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale were issued by the Ministry of Tourism. The aim of this scheme is to infuse long term interest free loans for a period of 50 years to States for comprehensively develop iconic tourist centers in the country, branding, and marketing them at global scale. By infusing capital investment in the form of projects, the scheme further envisages growth of local economy and creation of employment opportunities through sustainable tourism projects. The States have been given a timeline of 2 years for completing the projects. Ministry of Tourism in line with the guidelines and as per the procedure/ criteria, shortlisted 40 projects across 23 States for Rs. 3295.76 Crore which have been sanctioned by Department of Expenditure.

List of the Approved Projects

40 Projects across 23 States

Total Cost = ₹ 3,295.76 Cr

Sn	State	Project Name	Cost (in ₹ Cr)
Sn	State	Project Name	Cost (in ₹ Cr)
	Andhra Pradesh	1. Gandikota – Enriching the Fort and Gorge Experience	77.91
	Andhra Pradesh	2. Akhanda Godavari: (Havelock Bridge & Pushkar Ghat), Rajamahendravaram	94.44
	Arunachal Pradesh	3. Siang Adventure & Eco-Retreat, Pasighat	46.48
	Assam	4. Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden, Guwahati	97.12
	Assam	5. Beautification of Rang Ghar at Sivasagar	94.76
	Bihar	6. Development of Matsyagandha Lake, Saharsa	97.61
	Bihar	7. Karamchat Eco-Tourism and Adventure Hub	49.51
	Chhattisgarh	8. Development of Chitrotpala Film City	95.79
	Chhattisgarh	9. Development of Tribal & Cultural Convention Centre	51.87
	Goa	10. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum, Ponda	97.46
	Goa	11. Proposed Townsquare, Povorim	90.74
7.	Gujarat	12. Ecotourism Destination at Kerly (Mokarsagar), Porbandar	99.50
7.	Gujarat	13. Tented City and Convention Centre, Dhordo	51.56
	Jharkhand	14. Eco-Tourism Development of Tilaiyya, Koderma	34.87
	Karnataka	15. Ecotourism & Cultural Hub at Roerich and Devika Rani Estate Tataguni, Bengaluru	99.17
	Karnataka	16. Development of Savadatti Yallammagudda, Belgavi	100.0
	Kerala	17. Ashtamudi Biodiversity and Eco-recreational Hub, Kollam	59.71
	Kerala	18. Sargaalaya: Global Gateway to Malabar’s Cultural Crucible	95.34
	Madhya Pradesh	19. Orchha A Medieval Splendour	99.92
	Madhya Pradesh	20. International Convention Centre for MICE in Bhopal	99.38
	Maharashtra	21. Ex-INS Guldar Underwater Museum, Artificial Reef, and Submarine Tourism, Sindhudurg	46.91
	Maharashtra	22. Development of “RAM-KAL PATH” at Nashik	99.14
	Manipur	23. Loktak Lake Experience	89.48
	Meghalaya	24. MICE Infrastructure at Mawkhanu, Shillong	99.27
	Meghalaya	25. Re-development of Umiam Lake, Shillong	99.27
15.	Odisha	26. Development of Hirakud	99.90
15.	Odisha	27. Development of Satkosia	99.99
	Punjab	28. Development of Heritage Street, SBS Nagar	53.45
	Rajasthan	29. Development at Amber-Nahargarh and surrounding Area, Jaipur	49.31
	Rajasthan	30. Development at Jal Mahal, Jaipur	96.61
	Sikkim	31. Skywalk, Bhaleydhunga, Yangang, Namchi	97.37
	Sikkim	32. Border Experience, Nathula	68.19
19.	Tamil Nadu	33. Nandavanam Heritage Park at Mamallapuram	99.67
19.	Tamil Nadu	34. Garden of flowers at Devala, Ooty	70.23
	Telangana	35. Ramappa Region Sustainable Tourism Circuit	73.74
	Telangana	36. Somasilla Wellness & Spiritual Retreat Nallamala	68.10
21.	Tripura	37. 51 Shakti Peethas Park at Banduar, Gomati	97.70
	Uttar Pradesh	38. Development of Bateshwar, District- Agra	74.05
	Uttar Pradesh	39. Integrated Buddhist Tourism Development, Shrawasti	80.24
	Uttarakhand	40. Iconic City Rishikesh: Rafting Base Station	100.00
TOTAL			₹ 3,295.76 Cr

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