TBM Staff - Mumbai
More than 500,000 tourists visited the lighthouses between April and June this year, highlighting the success of transforming these iconic maritime structures into vibrant tourist hotspots as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
These developments have also contributed to job creation, with 150 direct and 500 indirect employment opportunities generated in nearby hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transportation services, and local shops and artisan businesses.
With a coastline spanning over 7,500 kilometres, India is home to 204 lighthouses that stand as silent sentinels of its rich maritime heritage. Traditionally serving as navigational aids for seafarers, these iconic structures are now being reimagined as tourism destinations under the government of India’s developmental vision.
This initiative aims to preserve the historical and architectural significance of lighthouses while unlocking their potential for economic growth and community empowerment. The central government is actively promoting lighthouse tourism as part of its broader Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to enhance India’s cultural heritage and maritime legacy.
By developing these sites, the government seeks to enhance India’s tourism offerings while fostering local economic growth and creating employment opportunities. Some lighthouses date back centuries and are located near UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu or other prominent cultural landmarks.
Source: IANS
