Official Gazette Notification Text
Official TranscriptGOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.†*7 ANSWERED ON 20.07.2026 ‘EK BHARAT SHRESHTHA BHARAT’ INITIATIVE †*7. SMT. KAMLESH JANGDE: SHRI CHINTAMANI MAHARAJ: Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state: a) the details of key initiatives taken/being taken by the Government to promote tourism through infrastructure development and digital promotion and expansion of...
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.†*7 ANSWERED ON 20.07.2026 ‘EK BHARAT SHRESHTHA BHARAT’ INITIATIVE †*7. SMT. KAMLESH JANGDE:
SHRI CHINTAMANI MAHARAJ:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state: a) the details of key initiatives taken/being taken by the Government to promote tourism through infrastructure development and digital promotion and expansion of basic amenities during the last two years in the country, State/UT-wise;
b) the progress and impact of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' Initiative in fostering cultural tourism and people-to-people connections across States and Union Territories including tribal areas; and c) the details of the steps taken to enhance international tourist arrivals, ease of travel and development of niche tourism products such as spiritual, eco, adventure, tribal culture and heritage tourism in the country, State/UT-wise? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House. ****STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (C) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.†*7 ANSWERED ON 20.07.2026 REGARDING ‘EK BHARAT SHRESHTHA’ INITIATIVE RAISED BY SMT. KAMLESH JANGDE AND SHRI CHINTAMANI MAHARAJ
(a): The Ministry of Tourism has undertaken several initiatives during the last two years to promote tourism through infrastructure development, digital promotion and expansion of basic amenities across the country.
The Ministry provides Central Financial Assistance to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations under the schemes of Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development, Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD), Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA JUGA) for development of tourism infrastructure and augmentation of basic amenities, subject to the scheme guidelines and availability of funds. Further, under the Government of India initiative Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale, financial assistance was provided to States during 2024-25 for tourism projects.
In the last two years, the Ministry has sanctioned 117 projects worth Rs.
5756.62 crores, under the afore-mentioned Schemes. The State/UT-wise details of Central Financial Assistance sanctioned under these schemes during the last two financial years are given at Annexure.
The Ministry promotes tourism through the Incredible India Digital Platform, comprising the website and mobile application, which serves as a one-stop digital interface for domestic and international travellers. Therevamped portal, launched in September 2024, is available in multiple languages and offers curated travel content, essential information, and seamless booking of flights, hotels, cabs, buses, and ASI monument tickets through partnerships with Online Travel Agents (OTAs) and other stakeholders. Promotion is further supported through official social media platforms, digital campaigns, and collaborations with social media influencers.
(b): The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) initiative is implemented by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, the nodal Ministry for the EBSB.
However, under the EBSB initiative, the Ministry of Tourism is also implementing several programmes through tourism events and institutional activities. The Ministry organises its flagship event Bharat Parv every year as part of the Republic Day celebrations with participation from all States and Union Territories to showcase India's cultural heritage, tourism potential and diverse traditions. Under this initiative, the Ministry also participated in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025 at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.
Further, the Ministry's Central Autonomous Bodies, including 21 Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs), the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), the Indian Culinary Institute (ICI) and India Tourism Offices regularly organise student exchange programmes, familiarisation visits, tour operator networking sessions, cultural programmes, regional cuisine festivals, language-learning activities and other activities highlighting the culture, traditions, cuisine and heritage of paired States and Union Territories under the EBSB initiative. These initiatives promote cultural tourism, foster people-to-people connect, strengthen national integration and reinforce the spirit of national pride.(c): The Ministry has taken several measures to enhance international tourist arrivals, improve ease of travel and promote niche tourism products.
India is promoted in key international source markets through tourism roadshows, trade meetings, familiarisation visits, media and social media campaigns, food festivals and participation in major international tourism fairs and exhibitions in collaboration with Indian Missions, States/UTs and tourism stakeholders.
To improve ease of travel, the Government has liberalised and simplified the visa regime through the e-Visa facility, which is currently available under nine sub-categories for nationals of 174 countries. The Ministry also provides a 24x7 Multi-lingual Tourist Helpline and has also introduced the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification (IITFC) Programme to create a pool of professionally trained tourist facilitators and guides, while existing Regional Level Guides have been integrated into the Incredible India Tourist Guide
(IITG) system with pan-India recognition. Further, the Ministry is working with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to improve connectivity to tourist destinations under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), under which 53 tourism routes have been identified, and regularly coordinates with the Ministry of Home Affairs on measures relating to travel in Restricted and Protected Areas to facilitate seamless travel for tourists.
The Ministry promotes niche tourism products such as spiritual, eco, adventure, rural, tribal, wellness, medical, MICE, wedding and heritage tourism through policy initiatives, infrastructure development and promotional activities. It has formulated National Strategies for Sustainable Tourism, Rural Tourism, Rural Homestays, MICE, Adventure Tourism, Eco-tourism and Medical & Wellness Tourism for implementation by States/UTs. The Ministry has alsolaunched the "Meet in India" sub-brand for MICE tourism, the "India Says I Do" campaign for destination weddings and issued the Model Adventure Tourism Safety Framework for safe and sustainable adventure tourism.
******ANNEXURE STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PART (A) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. †*7 ANSWERED ON 20.07.2026 REGARDING ‘EK BHARAT SHRESHTHA BHARAT’ INITIATIVE RAISED BY SMT. KAMLESH JANGDE AND SHRI CHINTAMANI MAHARAJ
1. The details of these sanctioned projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme in financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26 in the country are as under:
Sn State Destination Name of the Sanction Sanctioned Experience Date Cost (in ₹ Crore)
1. Andhra Bapatala Development of 29.03.2025 97.52 Pradesh Suryalanka Beach Experience
2. Bihar Bodh Gaya Development of the 29.03.2025 165.44 Buddhist Meditation & Experience Centre, Bodh Gaya
3. Chhattisgarh Kawardha Bhoramdeo Corridor 29.03.2025 146.00 Development, Kawardha
4. DNHDD Daman Daman Convention 29.03.2025 147.13 Centre
5. Goa Porvorim Porvorim Creek 20.08.2024 24.07 Experience
6. Goa Colva Colva Beach 20.08.2024 19.88 Experience
7. Haryana Panchkula Development of 29.03.2025 26.68 Adventure Tourism Hub at Tikkar Taal and Adventure Park
8. Haryana Panchkula Rejuvenation of 29.03.2025 65.82 Yadavindra Garden
9. Himachal Chintpurni Development of Maa 04.07.2025 56.26 Pradesh Chintpurni Devi Temple, Una
10. K erala Alappuzha Alappuzha: A Global 29.03.2025 93.18 Water Wonderland11. K erala Malampuzha Enhancement of 29.03.2025 75.87 Tourist Experience at Malampuzha Garden and Leisure Park
12. La kshadweep Bangaram Development of Eco- 29.03.2025 81.18 Retreat, Adventure, Beach and Mice Experience at Bangaram
13. M adhya Datia Development of 14.07.2025 44.24 Pradesh Pitambara Peeth Datia
14. M aharashtra Pune Shivshrusthi Theme 21.09.2024 75.47 Park
15. M izoram Champhai Eco Resort 29.03.2025 38.85 Experience at Keilungliah, Zote, Ngur & Mualbuhvum, Champhai
16. M izoram Champhai Heritage and Cultural 29.03.2025 33.87 Centre, Champhai
17. M izoram Aizawl Construction of 10.11.2025 99.71 Conference Centre
18. N agaland Chumoukedi Adventure Tourism 29.03.2025 32.54 ma Experience at Jacob Village, Chumoukediema
19. N agaland Chumoukedi Eco-Tourism Exp at 20.08.2024 7.87 ma Chumoukedima viewpoint
20. P unjab Amritsar Border Tourism 20.08.2024 25.91 Experience at Attari
21. R ajasthan Sikar Development works 29.03.2025 87.87 at Shri Khatu Shyam Ji Temple (Sikar)
22. R ajasthan Bikaner Development Works 14.07.2025 22.58 dist. at Shri Karni mata mandir, Bikaner23. R ajasthan Malaseri Development of 14.07.2025 48.73 Dungari Malaseri Dungri, (District Bhilwara District Bhilwara)
24. T ripura Agartala Tripura Heritage 29.03.2025 48.95 Village & Sangeet Experience at Agartala (Phase-1 &2) Total 1565.62
2. The details of sanctioned projects under Challenge Based Destination Development Scheme, in financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26 in the country
are as under:
S State Destination/ Name of the Sanction Sanctioned n Category Experience Date Cost (in ₹ Crore)
1. Andhra Nagarjuna Enriching Buddhist 17.03.2025 25.00 Pradesh Sagar Heritage and Cultural (Culture & Experiences at Heritage) Nagarjuna Sagar
2. Andhra Ahobilam Development of 17.03.2025 25.00 Pradesh Temple Abhobilam as a (Spiritual Spiritual Odyssey Tourism)
3. Arunachal Kibitho Kibhito Frontier 27.03.2025 4.96 Pradesh (Vibrant Tourism – Gateway Village to Serenity Programme)
4. Arunachal Bichom Bichom Dam 27.03.2025 9.90 Pradesh Dam Site Adventure & Eco- (Ecotouris Tourism Project m and Amrit Dharohar Sites)
5. Assam Sivasagar Panidhing Bird 27.03.2025 9.99 (Ecotouris Sanctuary m and Amrit Dharohar Sites)6. Bihar Saran Dist. Development of 27.03.2025 24.29 (Sonepur Sonepur Fair Site Fair) (Culture & Heritage)
7. Chhattisgarh Mayali Development of 27.03.2025 9.97 Bagicha Mayali Bagicha as (Ecotouris Eco Tourism m and Amrit Destination Dharohar Sites)
8. Goa Mayem Beautification and 17.03.2025 9.81 Village Development of (Ecotouris Harvalem Waterfall m and Amrit Dharohar Sites)
9. Gujarat Vadnagar Transformation of 27.03.2025 17.29 (Culture & Sharmishtha Lake:
Heritage) Light & Culture
10. Gujarat Porbandar The Sacred Ocean 27.03.2025 24.66 (Spiritual Retreat at Harsiddhi Tourism) Shore
11. Himachal Kaza Tourism 27.03.2025 24.82 Pradesh (Culture & Infrastructure Heritage) development at Kaza
12. Himachal Rakchham Tourism 27.03.2025 4.96 Pradesh (Vibrant Infrastructure Village Development at Programme Rakcham – Vibrant ) Village
13. Jharkhand Ramrekha Tourism 27.03.2025 18.87 Dham Infrastructure (Spiritual Development at Tourism) Ramrekha Dham
14. Karnataka Bidar Development of 21.01.2026 25.00 (Culture & Bidar as a Heritage Heritage) Tourism Destination
15. Kerala Varkala Varkala-Dakshin 27.03.2025 25.00 (Culture & Kashi Heritage)16. Kerala Thalassery Thalassery: The 27.03.2025 25.00 (Spiritual Spritiual Nexus Tourism)
17. Ladakh Mushkoo Advancing Mushkoo 27.03.2025 9.78 Village as a Sustainable (Ecotouris Tourism Hub: m and Amrit Integrating Wildlife Dharohar Sightings and Sites) Community Progress
18. Madhya Orchha Orchha A Medieval 17.03.2025 25.00 Pradesh (Spiritual Splendour 2.0 Tourism)
19. Madhya Mandu Mandu-A Medieval 21.01.2026 24.88 Pradesh (Culture & Wonder Heritage)
20. Maharashtra Ahmednaga Development of 17.03.2025 25.00 r Ahmednagar Fort (Culture & Heritage)
21. Manipur Langthabal Development of 17.03.2025 24.69 Konug, Ancient Capital of Imphal Manipur, Langthabal (Culture & Konug Heritage)
22. Meghalaya Nartiang Nartiang Spiritual & 17.03.2025 24.87 Village Cultural Centre (Spiritual Tourism)
23. Meghalaya Mawphlang Mawphlang Cultural 17.03.2025 24.87 Village & Heritage Centre (Culture & Heritage)
24. Nagaland Impur Soulful Trails: The 17.03.2025 24.94 Village Impur Heritage (Spiritual Experience Tourism)
25. Nagaland Doyang Wings Over Doyang: 17.03.2025 9.99 Reservoir An Eco-Tourism (Ecotouris Haven m and AmritDharohar Sites)
26. Puducherry White Town Development of 27.03.2025 22.19 (Culture & White Town Heritage)
27. Punjab Rupnagar Heritage Street –A 27.03.2025 24.90 (Anandpur Symbol of Peace and Sahib) Harmony at Sri (Spiritual Anandpur Sahib Tourism)
28. Punjab Ferozpur Cultural and 27.03.2025 25.00 (Hussainiw Heritage Strech at ala Border)- Hussainiwala Border (Culture & Heritage)
29. Sikkim Kabi Kabi Chronicles: A 17.03.2025 24.96 (Spiritual journey through Tourism) Unity and Heritage
30. Sikkim Gnathang Echoes of Valor: The 17.03.2025 5.00 Village Gnathang Valley (Vibrant Experience Village Programme)
31. Tamil Nadu Rameswara Iconic 27.03.2025 20.01 m Island transformation of (Spiritual Rameswaram Tourism)
32. Telangana Nalgonda Development of 17.03.2025 24.85 (Culture & digital experience Heritage) centre at Bhuddhavanam
33. Telangana Kamareddy Development of Eco- 17.03.2025 9.98 (Kalki Tourism Project at Cheruvu) Nizam Sagar (Ecotouris m and Amrit Dharohar Sites)
34. Uttar Mahoba Development of 27.03.2025 24.98 Pradesh (Culture & Cultural Landscape Heritage) at Mahoba35. Uttarakhand Jadung Development of 27.03.2025 4.99 (Vibrant Jadung Festive Village Ground, Jadung Programme)
36. Uttarakhand Kainchidha Development of 27.03.2025 17.60 m Kainchi Dham (Spiritual Campus Tourism)
37. Uttarakhand Mana Village Mana Haat 29.03.2025 4.99 (Vibrant Village Programme) Total 687.99
3. The details of projects sanctioned under PRASHAD Scheme in financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26 in the country are as under:
S State Sanction Project Name Sanction n Year Amount (in ₹ Crore)
1. Andhra 2024-25 Development of Pilgrimage 25.33 Pradesh Tourism Infrastructure in Annavaram Temple Town
2. Bihar 2024-25 Development of Ambika Bhawani 13.29 Temple, Saran
3. Goa 2024-25 Development of Bom Jesus 16.46 Basilica
4. Karnataka 2024-25 Development of Renuka Yallama 18.37 Devi temple
5. Karnataka 2024-25 Development of Basic Amenities 22.25 at Papnash Temple, Bidar dist.
6. Mizoram 2024-25 Development of Basic Amenities 5.47 under PRASHAD scheme in Vangchhia, Champhai District
7. Puducherry 2024-25 Development of Pilgrim Facilites 25.94 & Tourist attractions for Sri Dharbaranyeswara Temple
8. Tamil Nadu 2024-25 Development of 8 Navagraha 40.94 Temples9. Telangana 2024-25 Development of Basic Amenities 4.22 at goddess Renuka Yellama Devasthanam Total 172.27
4. Details of Projects sanctioned under ACA Scheme in financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26 in the country are as under:
Sn. Agency Name of Project State Sanction Amount Year sanctioned (in ₹ Crore)
1. ITDC Illumination and allied Tamil 2024-25 11.47 works at Gangaikonda Nadu Cholapuram Temple, District - Ariyalur
2. BECIL 3D Mapping with Aqua Bihar 2024-25 5.99 Screen Projection and Sound Show at Buxar, Bihar and Dynamic Lighting & Motif at Ram Rekha Ghat, Bihar TOTAL 17.46
5. Details of Projects sanctioned under 'Development of Homestays in Tribal Areas’ under DA-JUGA a Sub-Scheme of Swadesh Darshan 2.0, in financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26 in the country are as under:
Sn. State Sanction Project Name Sanction Year Amount (in ₹ Crore)
1. Andhra 2025-26 Development of Tribal Homestays in 1.23 Pradesh Maredumili cluster, Andhra Pradesh
2. Ladakh 2025-26 Development of Tribal Homestays in 4.59 Sham, Suru and Aryan valley clusters, Ladakh
3. Madhya 2025-26 Development of Tribal Homestays in 5.00 Pradesh Karanjiya and Pushparajgarh clusters, Madhya Pradesh4. Mizoram 2025-26 Development of Tribal Homestays in 5.00 Central and Southern clusters, Mizoram
5. Uttarakhand 2025-26 Development of Tribal Homestays in 1.70 Chakrata cluster, Uttarakhand Total 17.52
6. The details of projects sanctioned Under Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment Scheme (SASCI) in financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26
in the country are as under:
Sn State Year of Name of the Project Sanctioned Sanction Cost (in ₹ Crore)
1. Andhra 2024-25 Enriching the Fort and Gorge 77.91 Pradesh Experience in Gandikota
2. Andhra 2024-25 Akhanda Godavari- (Havelok 94.44 Pradesh Bridge & Pushkar Ghat) in Raja Mahendravaram
3. Arunachal 2024-25 Siang Adventure & Eco-Retreat in 46.48 Pradesh Pasighat
4. Assam 2024-25 Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical 97.12 Garden in Guwahati
5. Assam 2024-25 Beautification of Rang Ghar in 94.76 Sivasagar
6. Bihar 2024-25 Development of Matsyagandha 97.61 Lake in Saharsa
7. Bihar 2024-25 Karamchat Eco-Tourism and 49.51 Adventure Hub in Karamchat
8. Chhattisgarh 2024-25 Development of Chitrotpala Film 95.79 City in Raipur
9. Chhattisgarh 2024-25 Development of Tribal & Cultural 51.87 Convention Centre in Raipur
10. G oa 2024-25 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj 97.46 Museum in Ponda
11. G oa 2024-25 Townsquare in Porvorim 90.7412. G ujarat 2024-25 Ecotourism Destination at Kerly 99.50
(Mokarsagar) in Porbandar
13. G ujarat 2024-25 Tented City and Convention 51.56 Centre in Dhordo
14. J harkhand 2024-25 Eco-Tourism Development of 34.87 Tilaiyya” in Koderma
15. K arnataka 2024-25 Ecotourism & Cultural Hub at 99.17 Roerich and Devika Rani Estate Tataguni in Bengaluru
16. K arnataka 2024-25 Development of SavadattiYallammagudda in 100.00 Belgavi
17. K erala 2024-25 Ashtamudi Biodiversity and Eco- 59.71 recreational Hub in Kollam
18. K erala 2024-25 Global Gateway to Malabar’s 95.34 Cultural Crucible in Sargaalayaa
19. M adhya 2024-25 Orchha A Medieval Splendour in 99.92 Pradesh Orchha
20. M adhya 2024-25 International Convention Centre 99.38 Pradesh for MICE in Bhopal
21. M aharashtra 2024-25 INS-Guldar Underwater Museum, 46.91 Artificial Reef, and submarine Tourism in Sindhudurg
22. M aharashtra 2024-25 Development of RAM-KAL PATH in 99.14 Nashik
23. M anipur 2024-25 Loktak Lake Experience in Loktak 89.48
24. M eghalaya 2024-25 MICE Infrastructure in Mawkhanu 99.27
25. M eghalaya 2024-25 Redevelopment of Umiam Lake in 99.27 Shillong
26. O disha 2024-25 Development of Hirakund 99.90
27. O disha 2024-25 Development of Satkosia 99.99
28. P unjab 2024-25 Development of Heritage Street 53.45 as a tribute to Shaheed-e-Azam, Sardar Bhaghat Singh at Khatkar Kalan in SBS Nagar
29. R ajasthan 2024-25 Development at Amber-Nahargarh 49.31 and Surrounding Area in Jaipur
30. R ajasthan 2024-25 Development at Jal Mahal in 96.61 Jaipur31. S ikkim 2024-25 Skywalk, Bhaleydhunga, Yangang 97.37 in Namchi
32. S ikkim 2024-25 Border Experience in Nathula 68.19
33. T amil 2024-25 Development of Nandavanam 99.67 Nadu Heritage Park in Mammallapuram
34. T amil 2024-25 Eco Park at Race Course in Ooty 70.23 Nadu
35. T elangana 2024-25 Ramappa Region Sustainable 73.74 Tourism Circuit in Ramappa
36. T elangana 2024-25 Somasilla Wellness & Spiritual 68.10 Retreat in Nallamala
37. T ripura 2024-25 Shakti Peethas Park at Banduar in 97.70 Gomati
38. U ttar 2024-25 Development of Bateshwar in 74.05 Pradesh District-Agra
39. U ttar 2024-25 Integrated Buddhist Tourism 80.24 Pradesh Development in Shrawasti
40. U ttarakhand 2024-25 Iconic City Rishikesh: Rafting 100.00 Base Station in Rishikesh Total 3295.76 *****