Parliament Question: Projects under Swadesh Darshan

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2385# ANSWERED ON 12.03.2026 PROJECTS UNDER SWADESH DARSHAN 2385# SHRI NARESH BANSAL: SHRI MAHENDRA BHATT: Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state: (a) the number of projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan and Swadesh Darshan 2.0; (b) the number of projects completed, so far; (c) the objectives of Challenge-Based Destination Development initiative and the categories of projects supported under it; (d) whether long-term interest-free assistance is being used to develop iconic tourism destinations; and (e) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a) to (e): The Ministry of Tourism launched its Swadesh Darshan scheme in 2014-15 with the idea to develop thematic circuits in the country and sanctioned 76 tourism projects to develop tourism infrastructure in the country for Rs.5290.33 Crore and 75 projects are noted as physically complete. This scheme was revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations and the Ministry has sanctioned 53 projects under SD2.0 for Rs.2208.31 Crore which are at different stages of implementation on part of concerned State Governments/UT Administrations. The Ministry invited proposals from the State Governments /UT Administration under its ‘Challenge Based Destination Development –CBDD’, an initiative under Swadesh Darshan and sanctioned 38 projects for Rs.697.94 Crore under 4 categories viz. Culture & Heritage, spiritual tourism, Vibrant Villages and Eco-tourism & Amrit Dharohar Sites. CBDD initiative has a primary objective to undertake holistic development of destinations to enhance tourist experience and to transform tourist destinations as sustainable and responsible destinations. With the aim to develop iconic tourist centres in the country, the Ministry of Tourism issued operational guidelines along with detailed project report template under Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. Accordingly, 40 projects were sanctioned under the scheme for ₹3295.76 Crore in the financial year 2024-25. *******