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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
*****