New Delhi. The Center has approved 40 projects costing more than Rs 3,295 crore spread across 23 states. The projects aim to develop lesser-known destinations and promote a balanced distribution of tourists across the country. Officials said that as per the instructions of the Department of Expenditure, the Ministry of Tourism had issued operational guidelines for Special Assistance to States/Union Territories (SASCI) for the purpose of capital investment for the development of iconic tourism centres.
A senior ministry official said that till October 15, 2024, the last date for submission of applications, a total of 87 project proposals costing more than Rs 8,000 crore were received. Subsequently, 40 projects were selected in 23 states at a cost of Rs 3295.76 crore as per the guidelines and process or criteria by the Ministry of Tourism. After this these projects have been approved by the Department of Expenditure. Some of the selected sites include Rang Ghar, Sivasagar (Assam), Matsyagandha Lake, Saharsa (Bihar), Proposed Town Square, Porvorim (Goa), and Orchha (Madhya Pradesh).
The initiative is aimed at reducing pressure on high-traffic destinations and promoting balanced distribution of tourists across the country, the ministry said. By focusing on lesser-known destinations, the Ministry hopes to enhance the tourism experience, boost local economies and ensure sustainable growth in the sector through a strategic approach to new projects. States have been given two years to complete the projects. This amount for the schemes will be released before March 2026.