**Executive Summary**
The document outlines the growth and transformation of India's tourism sector over the past 11 years, with a focus on infrastructure development and its impact on tourist arrivals. It highlights the expansion of the national highway network and various tourism schemes initiated by the government. The information was released on December 12, 2025, by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Tourism.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Overall Growth:**
* India's tourism sector has experienced unprecedented expansion in the last 11 years.
* This growth is attributed to revolutionary infrastructure development across road transport, railways, and waterways.
* **Tourist Arrivals (2014-2024):**
* International Tourist Arrivals (ITAs) reached 161.16 million.
* Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) rose to 86.22 million, compared to 52.99 million (2004-2013).
* Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) stood at Rs. 18.85 lakh crore, more than triple the Rs. 6.01 lakh crore earned during 2004–2013.
* Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) surged to 18,639.35 million, compared to 6,779.10 million (2004–2013).
* **Infrastructure Expansion:**
* National Highway network expanded by 60%, from 91,287 km (2014) to 1,46,195 km (present).
* In 2004, India's National Highways measured 65,569 km.
* **Tourism Schemes:**
* **Swadesh Darshan Scheme (2015 onwards):** 76 projects sanctioned with Rs. 5,290.33 crore (75 completed).
* **Swadesh Darshan 2.0:** 53 projects sanctioned with Rs. 2,208.27 crore for sustainable and tourist-centric development.
* **Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD):** 36 projects approved with Rs. 648.11 crore across Spiritual Tourism, Culture & Heritage, and Vibrant Village Programme.
* **Development of Iconic Tourist Centres (SASCI - 2024-25):** 40 projects sanctioned across 23 States with Rs. 3,295.76 crore in long-term loans.
* **Assistance to Central Agencies Scheme:** 57 projects sanctioned worth Rs. 845.51 crore (34 completed, 9 foreclosed).
**Impact Analysis**
**Ministry of Road Transport & Highways**
* **Impact:** Cited as the source for National Highway data.
* **Action Required:** Continued efforts in infrastructure development, specifically national highways, will be crucial for supporting the growth of the tourism sector.
**Government of India**
* **Impact:** The Government's commitment to infrastructure development and sustainable tourism, as well as enhanced connectivity, has strengthened livelihoods and positioned India as a rising global tourism powerhouse.
* **Action Required:** Continued investment in infrastructure development, sustainable tourism practices, and global branding efforts.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Tourism: The primary ministry overseeing tourism development in India.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme: A tourism infrastructure development scheme.
Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD): A scheme promoting tourism through destination development.
Development of Iconic Tourist Centres (SASCI): A scheme focused on enhancing iconic tourist destinations.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways: Ministry responsible for the expansion of the National Highway network.
Ministry of Tourism
Revolutionary Infrastructure Growth in the Last
11 Years Fuels Unprecedented Expansion of
India’s Tourism Sector: Shri Gajendra Singh
Shekhawat
Record Growth in Tourist Arrivals, Infrastructure Development
and Global Positioning
India’s National Highway network has expanded by 60%,
from 91,287 km in 2014 to 1,46,195 km at present,
significantly improving road connectivity to major and
emerging tourist destinations
From Gradual Progress to Historic Transformation: India’s
Infrastructure Revolution Drives Record Tourism Growth
India’s Road, Rail and Waterway Revolution Triggers
Unprecedented Tourism Boom
A Decade of Infrastructure Transformation Powers India’s
Rise as a Global Tourism Destination
प्रव तथ: 12 DEC 2025 4:57PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister for Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, today said that while India witnessed
gradual development in road and rail infrastructure in the decades following Independence, the last 11
years have seen a revolutionary transformation across road transport, railways, and waterways. This
massive leap in infrastructure has not only strengthened the national economy but has also led to
unprecedented growth in the tourism sector.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Shri Shekhawat stated that India’s tourism sector has
undergone a historic expansion over the past decade, powered by focused policy interventions, extensive
infrastructure creation, and sustained global branding efforts. These achievements underline India’s
emergence as a preferred destination for both international and domestic travellers.Sharp Increase in Tourist Arrivals
India recorded 161.16 million International Tourist Arrivals (ITAs) during 2014–2024.
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) rose to 86.22 million during 2014–2024, up from 52.99 million in 2004–
2013.
Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) stood at Rs. 18.85 lakh crore during 2014–2024—more than triple the
Rs. 6.01 lakh crore earned in 2004–2013.
Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) surged to 18,639.35 million during 2014–2024, compared to 6,779.10
million during 2004–2013.
Massive Tourism Infrastructure Expansion
Swadesh Darshan Scheme (2015 onwards)
76 projects sanctioned with Rs. 5,290.33 crore; 75 projects physically completed.
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 – Sustainable & Destination-Centric Tourism
53 projects sanctioned with Rs. 2,208.27 crore for responsible and tourist-centric development.
Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD)
36 projects approved with Rs. 648.11 crore across:
Spiritual Tourism
Culture & Heritage
Vibrant Village ProgrammeEcotourism & Amrit Dharohar Sites
These initiatives improve the entire tourism value chain, enhancing visitor experience and accessibility.
Development of Iconic Tourist Centres (SASCI – 2024–25)
40 projects sanctioned across 23 States with Rs. 3,295.76 crore under long-term (50-year) interest-free
loans to elevate tourist destinations to global standards.
Assistance to Central Agencies Scheme
57 projects sanctioned worth Rs. 845.51 crore for ASI, Port Trusts, ITDC, Railways, etc.
34 projects completed; 9 foreclosed.
Connectivity Boost: Expansion of National Highways
India’s National Highway network expanded by 60%, from 91,287 km in 2014 to 1,46,195 km at present,
dramatically improving access to key tourist centres.
For context, India’s National Highways measured 65,569 km in 2004.
(Source: Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Annual Report 2024–25)
India’s integrated approach to infrastructure development, sustainable tourism, and enhanced connectivity
has driven major socio-economic gains, strengthened livelihoods, and positioned India as a rising global
tourism powerhouse. The achievements of the last decade reflect the Government’s commitment to
making tourism a pivotal driver of national growth.
***
Sunil Kumar Tiwari
tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com
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