TBM Staff - Mumbai
On January 15, India’s Ministry of Defence launched the ‘Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan’ initiative, opening historical and active battlefields like Galwan, Doklam, and Siachen, along with 75 other forward sites, for tourism. This program, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, aims to transform these iconic war zones into tourist destinations. Visitors can now experience firsthand the sites of India’s significant military confrontations, such as the 2020 Galwan clash and the 1999 Kargil War. The initiative seeks to boost tourism, educate citizens about military history, and foster patriotism.
The ‘Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan’ app provides travel arrangements, permits, and historical insights for tourists. The initiative builds on the success of existing attractions like the BSF’s Attari border ceremony. Sites such as the Siachen Glacier and Longewala border, where major battles were fought, are now accessible, showcasing stories of valor and the challenging terrains in which soldiers operate. These efforts mark a significant step in expanding tourism in previously inaccessible regions.
Enhanced infrastructure in border regions has played a crucial role in making this initiative possible. Over the past decade, the Indian government has prioritised improving the LAC (Line of Actual Control) and border areas with better roads, bridges, tunnels, and rail networks. Projects like the Vibrant Villages Programme, launched in 2023, aim to develop border villages and promote cultural and traditional knowledge, while simultaneously supporting the local economy.
Transforming battle zones into tourist hubs not only boosts the local economy but also strengthens the connection between remote communities and the national mainstream. Tourism infrastructure, such as homestays and local businesses, is being developed, reducing migration and generating employment. These steps ensure that citizens can actively engage with the history and heritage of India’s border regions while supporting the soldiers stationed there.
