**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Tourism responded on 15.12.2025 to questions regarding the promotion of religious tourism. It detailed policies and schemes to develop sustainable infrastructure, address challenges like overcrowding, and utilize digital platforms. The response highlights the Ministry's role in complementing State/UT efforts through schemes like PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan, with significant financial allocations for various projects.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Role of Government Bodies:**
* Development of religious tourism is primarily undertaken by State/UT administrations.
* The Ministry of Tourism complements these efforts through infrastructure development initiatives.
* **Schemes and Initiatives:**
* **PRASHAD Scheme:** Aims to enhance the spiritual and pilgrimage experience through holistic tourism infrastructure development.
* 54 projects sanctioned in 28 States/UTs with an estimated cost of Rs.1726.74 Crores.
* **Swadesh Darshan Scheme:** Focuses on thematic circuits like Spiritual and Buddhist circuits.
* 76 projects sanctioned at a total cost of Rs.5290.33 Crore.
* Revamped as 'Swadesh Darshan 2.0' to develop sustainable tourism destinations.
* 53 projects sanctioned at a cost of Rs.2,208.27 Crore.
* 'Challenge Based Destination Development', a sub-scheme sanctioned 36 projects at a cost of Rs.648.11 Crore.
* **SASCI:** Approved 40 projects at Rs.3295.76 Crore across 23 States for iconic tourist center development.
* **Assistance to Central Agencies:** Supports tourism infrastructure development at religious sites.
* 66 projects sanctioned at a cost of Rs.948.78 Crore.
* **Addressing Challenges at Pilgrimage Sites:**
* Sanctioned pilgrim amenities like queue management, waiting halls, and parking.
* Promotes environmental sustainability through waste management systems and clean energy.
* Emphasizes sustainable practices and local material use in DPR formulation by State/UTs.
* Approves digital interventions like AR/VR centers and online booking platforms.
* Implements safety measures like CCTV surveillance and fire safety mechanisms.
* **Sustainable Operation:**
* Ministry encourages State/UTs to ensure sustainable operation and management of completed projects through public-private partnerships.
* **Specific Projects in UP and Bihar (See Annexure):**
* Lists projects sanctioned under PRASHAD, Swadesh Darshan, CBDD, SASCI, and Assistance to Central Agencies schemes in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder:** State Governments/Union Territories
**Impact:** Responsible for the primary development and promotion of religious tourism within their jurisdictions, with the Ministry of Tourism providing complementary support.
**Action Required:** Formulate DPRs prioritizing sustainable practices, clean energy, and local material use. Ensure sustainable operation and management of completed projects, explore public-private partnerships.
**Stakeholder:** Local Communities
**Impact:** Beneficiaries of employment generation and active involvement in the development of religious tourism.
**Action Required:** Participate in tourism initiatives and contribute to the sustainable development of their communities.
**Stakeholder:** Pilgrims/Tourists
**Impact:** Enhanced spiritual and pilgrimage experiences through improved infrastructure, connectivity, hospitality, and safety measures.
**Action Required:** Utilize available digital platforms and services to enhance their travel experience.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Tourism: The primary ministry responsible for tourism policy and schemes in India, including religious tourism.
PRASHAD Scheme: A scheme under the Ministry of Tourism focused on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme: A scheme under the Ministry of Tourism focused on developing sustainable and responsible tourism destinations.
Uttar Pradesh: A state specifically mentioned as relevant to the policy's impact on religious tourism.
Bihar: A state specifically mentioned as relevant to the policy's impact on religious tourism.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2418
ANSWERED ON 15.12.2025
PROMOTION OF RELIGIOUS TOURISM
2418. SHRI ATUL GARG:
SHRI RAJESH VERMA:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has formulated any specific policies or
schemes to promote religious tourism while ensuring sustainable
infrastructure and local community participation, particularly in Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the impact of religious tourism on local economies, small businesses
and employment generation in these hotspots;
(c) whether the Government has taken steps to address challenges such
as overcrowding, environmental degradation and infrastructure strain
in high-footfall pilgrimage sites and if so, the details thereof and if not,
the reasons therefor; and
(d) the role of digital platforms and public-private partnerships in
enhancing the religious tourism experience through better
connectivity, hospitality and safety measures particularly in
Ghaziabad, Samastipur and Khagaria Lok Sabha Constituencies?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a): Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products
including religious tourism is primarily undertaken by the respective State
Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry complements
the efforts of States/UTs by developing tourism infrastructure through
various schemes and initiatives in consultation with the State Governments/
UT Administrations.The Ministry of Tourism under the “Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and
Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive” (PRASHAD)aims to enhance the
spiritual and pilgrimage experience by holistically developing tourism
infrastructure at pilgrimage and heritage sites. As on date, the Ministry has
sanctioned 54 projects in 28 States/UTs with an estimated cost of
Rs.1726.74 Crores
In addition, under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the Ministry of
Tourism has sanctioned 76 projects at a total sanctioned cost of Rs.5290.33
Crore under various thematic circuits such as Spiritual circuits, Buddhist
Circuits, Krishna Circuits, Tirthankar and other circuits.
The Swadesh Darshan scheme has been revamped as 'Swadesh
Darshan 2.0’ with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible
tourism destination. As on date, 53 projects have been sanctioned at a total
sanctioned cost of Rs.2,208.27 Crore including projects in religious sites.
The Ministry of Tourism has issued guidelines for ‘Challenge Based
Destination Development’, a sub-scheme under Swadesh Darshan 2.0. Under
this sub-scheme, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 36 projects at a
total cost of Rs.648.11 Crore under different categories such as Spiritual
Tourism, Culture & Heritage, etc.
Further, the Government of India under the guidelines for Special
Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) for
Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale has approved 40
projects amounting to Rs.3295.76 Crore across 23 States, including projects
at religious destinations.
The Ministry of Tourism under the Scheme of Assistance to Central
Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development also provides support to
Central Agencies for tourism infrastructure development which includes
infrastructure development at sites of religious significance. Till date, a total
of 66 projects have been sanctioned at a total sanctioned cost of Rs.948.78
Crore.The details of the projects sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism in
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are given in the Annexure.
In addition, the Ministry of Tourism as part of its ongoing endeavour
promotes various tourism destinations and products of the country including
religious tourism through promotional activities such as events, website,
social media promotions, fairs and festivals, etc.
(b) to (d): The Ministry of Tourism under its ongoing schemes undertakes
tourist infrastructure development in an inclusive, integrated, and
sustainable manner that focuses on livelihoods, skills, service delivery, etc.
with a focus on employment generation through active involvement of the
local communities.
To address challenges such as overcrowding and infrastructure strain
in high-footfall pilgrimage sites, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned
various pilgrim amenities such as Queue management complex, Waiting
halls, Cloak room, Widening of approach roads, CCTVs for pilgrim safety,
Foot-over Bridges, Parking, Tourist Information Centre, basic amenities such
as toilets, dustbins, drinking water facilities, and other site development
works such as benches, landscaping, flooring, etc.
In addition, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned various components
at the pilgrimage sites to maintain environment sustainability such as solid
waste management systems, sewage treatment plants, pet bottle flaking
machines, e-vehicles, solar energy systems, waste segregation units, pious
waste management, etc.
Further, the Ministry of Tourism emphasizes the State Governments/UT
Administrations to prioritize carrying capacity, sustainable practices, clean
energy sources, use of locally available material for construction while
formulating the DPRs.
Also, the Ministry of Tourism has approved various digital
interventions/components across its sanctioned projects to enhance tourist
experience. Some of the components includes AR/VR interpretation centres,virtual Darshan, Digital signages, tourist information apps, online booking
platforms, smart parking solutions, etc.
Safety and security components are also sanctioned to ensure safe and
efficient movement of pilgrims during peak footfall. These includes
installation of CCTV surveillance systems, setting up of integrated command
and control rooms, provision of fire safety mechanisms, etc.
Further, the Ministry of Tourism encourages the State Governments/UT
Administrations to ensure sustainable operation and management of the
completed projects, including through public-private partnerships wherever
required.
*****ANNEXURE
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION
NO.2418 ANSWERED ON 15.12.2025 REGARDING PROMOTION OF
RELIGIOUS TOURISM RAISED BY SHRI ATUL GARG AND SHRI RAJESH
VERMA
(i) List of Projects under PRASHAD Scheme in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
Sr. State Name of the Project Sanctioned
No. Cost (Rs. in
Crore)
1. Bihar Development at Patna Sahib 29.62
2. Development of basic facilities at Vishnupad 3.63
temple, Gaya, Bihar
3. Development of AmbikaBhawani Temple, 13.29
Saran
4. Uttar Development of Varanasi – Phase –I 18.73
5. Pradesh Development of Mathura-Vrindavan as Mega 10.98
Tourist Circuit (Ph-II)
6. River Cruise Tourism in Ganga, Varanasi 9.02
7. Construction of Tourist Facilitation Centre at 9.36
Vrindavan
8. Development of Varanasi – Phase –II 44.60
9. Development of Infrastructure facilities at 37.59
Govardhan
(ii) List of Projects under Swadesh Darshan Scheme in Bihar and Uttar
Pradesh
Sr. State Name of the Project Sanctioned
No. Cost (Rs. in
Crore)
1. Bihar Development of Vaishali- Arrah- Masad- Patna- 33.96
Rajgir- Pawapuri- Champapuri2. Development of Kanwaria Route: Sultanganj – 44.76
Dharmshala- Deoghar
3. Development of Buddhist circuit- Construction 95.18
of Convention Centre at Bodhgaya
4. Development of Bhitiharwa- Chandrahia- 44.27
Turkaulia
5. Development of Mandar Hill &Ang Pradesh 44.55
6. Uttar Development of Srawasti, Kushinagar, 87.89
Pradesh &Kapilwastu
7. Development of Chitrakoot and Shringverpur 69.45
8. Development of Ahar-Aligarh-Kasganj-Sarosi 71.91
(Unnao)-Pratapgarh- Kausambi-Mirzapur-
Gorakhpur-Domariyaganj-Basti-Barabanki-
Azamgarh-Kairana- Baghpat- Shahjahanpur
9. Development of Bijnor- Meerut- Kanpur- 67.51
Kanpur Dehat- Banda- Ghazipur- Salempur-
Ghosi- Balia- Ambedkar Nagar- Aligarh-
Fatehpur- Deoria- Mahoba- Sonbhadra-
Chandauli- Mishrikh- Bhadohi
10. Development of Kalinjar Fort (Banda)- 36.65
MagharDham (SantKabir Nagar)-
ChauriChaura, Shaheed Sthal (Fatehpur)-
MahuarshaheedSthal (Ghosi)- Shaheed Smarak
(Meerut)
11. Development of Ayodhya 127.21
12. Development of Jewar-Dadri-Sikandrabad- 12.03
Noida-Khurja-Banda
13. Development of Gorakhnath Temple 18.30
(Gorakhpur), Devipattan Temple (Balrampur)
and Vatvashni Temple (Domariyagunj)(iii) List of Projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme in Bihar and Uttar
Pradesh
Sr. State Name of the Project Sanctioned Cost
No (Rs. Crore)
.
1. Bihar Development of the Buddhist Meditation & 165.44
Experience Centre, Bodh Gaya
2. Uttar Azad Park and DekhoPrayagraj Trail Exp 14.52
3. Pradesh Vedic- wellness Experience 17.80
(iv) List of Projects under CBDD Scheme in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
Sr. State Name of the Project Sanctioned
No. Cost
(Rs. Crore)
1. Bihar Development of Tourist Facilities at 24.29
SonepurMela Ground, Saran
2. Uttar Development of Cultural Landscape at 24.98
Pradesh Mahoba
(v) List of Projects under SASCI Scheme in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
Sr. State Name of the Project Sanctioned
No. Cost
(Rs. Crore)
1. Bihar Development of Matsyagandha Lake in 97.61
Saharsa
2. Karamchat Eco-Tourism and Adventure Hub 49.51
in Karamchat
3. Uttar Development of Bateshwar in District-Agra 74.05
4. Pradesh Integrated Buddhist Tourism Development in 80.24
Shrawasti(vi) List of Projects under Assistance to Central Agencies for Infrastructure
Development in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
Sr. State Name of the Project Sanctioned
No. Cost
(Rs. Crore)
1. Bihar 3D Mapping with Aqua Screen Projection and 5.99
Sound Show at Buxar, Bihar and Dynamic
Lighting & Motif at Ram RekhaGhat, Bihar
2. Gaya Railway Station 5.18
3. Uttar Illumination of monuments in Varanasi/Sarnath 5.12
Pradesh (Dhamekh Stupa in SarnathChaukhandi Stupa in
Sarnath, Tomb of Lalkan in Sarnath and Man
Mahal in Banaras).
4. Illumination of three monuments in Varanasi, 2.94
Uttar Pradesh-
1.DashashwamedhGhat to DarbhangaGhat
(stretch of 300 m)
2.TulsiManasMandir
3. Sarnath Museum
5. Rai-Bareilly Railway Station 4.44
6. Agra Cantt. Railway Station 5.05
******