Parliament Question: Strengthening pilgrimage infrastructure in Maharashtra

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1575 ANSWERED ON 12.02.2026 STRENGTHENING PILGRIMAGE INFRASTRUCTURE IN MAHARASHTRA 1575 DR. BHAGWAT KARAD: Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state: (a) the achievements of PRASHAD scheme in Maharashtra, including development works at Shri Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Ellora, during the last year; (b) how proactive carrying-capacity assessment and crowd-flow management have strengthened pilgrim safety; (c) the steps taken to enhance sanitation, security, last-mile connectivity and universal accessibility; (d) whether effective coordination with Government of Maharashtra and temple authorities would ensure timely implementation; (e) the positive outcomes witnessed during peak pilgrimage seasons; and (f) whether these initiatives have generated employment, boosted local economies and reinforced India’s spiritual tourism ecosystem nationwide? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT) (a): 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. Till date, the Ministry has sanctioned 54 projects under the PRASHAD Scheme in 28 States/UTs at a total estimated cost of ₹1,726.74 crore including one project in the State of Maharashtra, namely “Development of Trimbakeshwar”, Nashik, in the year 2017-18 at a cost of ₹45.41 crore. Submission of proposals by State Governments/UT Administrations seeking financial assistance under PRASHAD is a continuous process. Proposals received from the States/UTs are examined in accordance with the prescribed guidelines, and financial assistance is provided subject to fulfilment of the stipulated conditions and availability of funds. At present, no proposal for development of Shri Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Ellora, is under consideration of the Ministry of Tourism. (b) to (c): Carrying capacity and crowd-flow parameters form an integral part of project planning under the PRASHAD Scheme. As per the scheme guidelines, selection of pilgrimage destinations takes into account the carrying capacity of a destination to manage pilgrim inflows. To effectively manage the crowd-flow, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned various interventions such as queue management complex, waiting halls, widening of approach roads etc. so as to strengthen pilgrim safety. Further, to enhance sanitation, security, last-mile connectivity and universal accessibility, key interventions have been sanctioned like the installation of CCTV surveillance systems, setting up of integrated command and control rooms, provision of fire safetymechanisms, illumination, development of approach roads, pathway with rails, signages, basic amenities like drinking water and toilet blocks, etc. (d): In accordance with the Scheme Guidelines respective State Government /UT administration formulates comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) for identified projects in consultations with the respective administration, local bodies, and other stakeholders (Shrine authorities/ religious trusts, NGOs, and societies etc. as applicable). The projects under these schemes are implemented by the respective States/UTs in close coordination with the relevant stakeholders. (e): The vital facilities created under the PRASHAD Scheme such as pathways, lighting, drinking water, toilets and access arrangements at the sites help local authorities in managing the movement of pilgrims and in providing essential services during peak pilgrimage seasons. (f): Under the PRASHAD Scheme the Ministry seeks to develop tourism infrastructure in a holistic and sustainable manner with the objective of generating employment, boosting tourism, conserving local culture, and strengthening the local economy across the country. ******