**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Tourism's PRASHAD scheme aims to enhance pilgrimage experiences by developing tourism infrastructure at pilgrimage and heritage sites. As of February 13th, 2026, the Ministry has sanctioned 54 projects under the scheme, including the "Development of Trimbakeshwar" in Nashik, Maharashtra, approved in 2017-18. The information was provided on February 12th, 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **PRASHAD Scheme Overview:**
* Aims to holistically develop tourism infrastructure at pilgrimage and heritage sites.
* The Ministry has sanctioned 54 projects under the PRASHAD Scheme in 28 States/UTs at a total estimated cost of ₹1,726.74 crore.
* **Project Selection and Approval:**
* Submission of proposals by State Governments/UT Administrations is a continuous process.
* Proposals are examined according to prescribed guidelines.
* Financial assistance is subject to fulfilling stipulated conditions and fund availability.
* **Project Planning and Implementation:**
* Carrying capacity and crowd-flow parameters are integral to project planning.
* Pilgrimage destination selection considers carrying capacity to manage pilgrim inflows.
* Sanctioned interventions include queue management, waiting halls, road widening, CCTV surveillance, command centers, fire safety, illumination, and basic amenities.
* Respective State Government /UT administration formulates comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR).
* **Scheme Objectives:**
* Develop tourism infrastructure holistically and sustainably.
* Generate employment, boost tourism, conserve local culture, and strengthen the local economy.
**Impact Analysis**
**State Governments/UT Administrations**
* **Impact:** Responsible for submitting proposals seeking financial assistance and implementing approved projects.
* **Action Required:** Formulate comprehensive Detailed Project Reports (DPR) in consultation with local stakeholders (Shrine authorities/ religious trusts, NGOs, and societies etc.)
**Local Authorities/Religious Trusts/NGOs/Societies**
* **Impact:** Involved in consultations for formulating Detailed Project Reports (DPR) and implementing projects. Local authorities benefit from vital facilities which assist with managing pilgrims and providing essential services during peak pilgrimage seasons.
* **Action Required:** Participate in project planning and implementation with State/UT administrations.
**Pilgrims/Tourists**
* **Impact:** Benefit from improved infrastructure and enhanced pilgrimage experiences through PRASHAD scheme interventions.
* **Action Required:** N/A
Key Entities Referenced
PRASHAD Scheme: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive, a scheme focused on developing tourism infrastructure at pilgrimage and heritage sites.
Ministry of Tourism: The Indian governmental body responsible for implementing the PRASHAD scheme and developing tourism infrastructure.
Maharashtra: Indian state where pilgrimage infrastructure is being strengthened under the PRASHAD scheme.
Ministry of Tourism
Strengthening Pilgrimage Infrastructure in
Maharashtra under PRASHAD scheme
Posted On: 13 FEB 2026 11:53AM by PIB Delhi
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.
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 safety mechanisms, illumination, development of approach roads, pathway with rails, signages,
basic amenities like drinking water and toilet blocks, etc.
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.
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.
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.
This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in
a written reply in Rajya Sabha On 12th February 2026.****
Sunil Kumar Tiwari
tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com
(Release ID: 2227369) Visitor Counter : 199
Read this release in: Urdu , Marathi , ही