40 Approved Projects Set to Boost Tourism in India

40 Approved Projects in India 

Forty projects worth over Rs 3,295 crore across 23 states have received approval from the Centre to develop lesser-known destinations into iconic sites, promoting a more balanced distribution of tourists throughout the country.

Officials announced that following directives from the Department of Expenditure, the Ministry of Tourism has issued operational guidelines for the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) to develop iconic tourist centres. The Ministry of Tourism has shared these SASCI guidelines with state governments, requesting they formulate and submit project proposals that focus on creating impactful destinations.

A senior official from the ministry reported that by the final submission date of October 15, 2024, 87 project proposals had been received, with a cumulative cost exceeding Rs 8,000 crore. The official further stated that, following the guidelines and established procedures, the Ministry of Tourism shortlisted 40 projects across 23 states, with a total funding of Rs 3,295.76 crore. These projects have now received approval from the Department of Expenditure.

Some of the selected destinations include Rang Ghar in Sivasagar (Assam), Matsyagandha Lake in Saharsa (Bihar), the proposed Town Square in Porvorim (Goa), and Orchha (Madhya Pradesh). The ministry stated that this scheme aims to provide long-term, interest-free loans for 50 years to states for the comprehensive development of iconic tourist centres across the country and for branding and marketing these destinations on a global scale. Investing capital in these projects aims to bolster the local economy and create employment opportunities through sustainable tourism initiatives.

"This initiative aims to ease pressure on the 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 sector through a strategic approach to new project selection," the ministry said.

The states have been given a two-year timeline to complete the projects, with funds released before March 2026.