TBM Staff - Mumbai Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the launch of 52 tourism projects, valued at over INR 1,400 crore, under the auspices of the Swadesh Darshan and the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) initiatives. These projects included the inauguration of nine tourism infrastructure initiatives, valued at INR 469 crore, under both schemes, along with the unveiling of an additional 43 projects, totalling INR 963 crore, sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism.
In a unified effort, the Ministry of Tourism, alongside state and UT governments as well as local bodies, simultaneously conducted the launch events at all 52 sites.
Among the projects are three key ventures under the PRASHAD scheme at Hazratbal in Srinagar, Jogulamba in Telangana, and Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, collectively costing INR 129.35 crore. The ministry highlighted significant enhancements across these projects, such as the establishment of pilgrim facilitation centers, ghat development, façade illumination, sound and light shows, queue complexes, and the improvement of safety and security infrastructure.
Additionally, 14 projects situated in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, with an investment of INR 320.8 crore, were initiated to advance the development of unexplored pilgrimage and heritage sites, according to the ministry’s statement.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister launched three innovative campaigns and schemes aimed at boosting the tourism sector. This includes the Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign, designed to transform members of the Indian diaspora into ambassadors for Incredible India.
The campaign, reflecting the ethos of collective participation (‘Jan Bhagidari’) towards an unparalleled and developed India (‘Atulya Bharat’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’), draws inspiration from the Prime Minister’s call to action, urging diaspora members to motivate five non-Indian friends to visit India annually.
Additionally, under the ‘Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice 2024’, a new poll was introduced by the Prime Minister to determine the country’s most beloved tourist destinations across five categories. This nationwide survey aims to engage citizens in identifying top tourist attractions and to gather insights into tourist preferences within categories such as spiritual, cultural and heritage, nature and wildlife, and adventure tourism.
