New Delhi, June 25: India has expanded tourism infrastructure across the country through investments exceeding Rs 10,000 crore under flagship central schemes, with more than 100 destinations upgraded over the past decade and additional projects underway to strengthen the sector’s growth, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.
The government said major investments under the Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) schemes have focused on improving connectivity, visitor facilities, safety and destination readiness at key tourism and pilgrimage sites across the country.
Under the first phase of the Swadesh Darshan scheme, more than Rs 5,000 crore has been invested across 15 tourism circuits aimed at developing tourism infrastructure. Of the 76 projects sanctioned under the programme, 75 have been physically completed, resulting in upgraded tourist amenities, improved access and enhanced visitor facilitation services.
The PRASHAD scheme, which focuses on pilgrimage destination development, has approved 54 projects with a total investment exceeding Rs 1,700 crore. The programme has supported infrastructure improvements at major religious destinations, including Somnath, Srisailam and Govardhan in Uttar Pradesh, with a focus on visitor convenience and safety.
The statement further noted that 40 projects across 23 states have been approved under the SASCI initiative with an outlay of Rs 3,295.76 crore. The scheme seeks to transform destinations with high tourism potential into world-class tourism hubs capable of attracting greater domestic and international footfall.
The government highlighted a steady increase in visitor arrivals over the past decade. Between 2014 and 2025, India recorded 181.25 million international arrivals and 93.35 million foreign tourist arrivals. International arrivals include both foreign nationals and non-resident Indians entering the country.
Officials stated that more than 100 tourism destinations have already undergone upgrades during the last ten years. Plans to develop 50 additional key destinations are expected to further improve tourism infrastructure, destination quality and visitor preparedness.
The statement also pointed to efforts to improve travel facilitation through the expansion of India’s e-Visa system, making entry procedures more accessible for travellers from a large number of countries.
India currently ranks eighth among the world’s leading tourism economies, with the tourism sector contributing $231.6 billion to the national economy. According to projections by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the country is expected to rise to fourth position globally over the next decade, reflecting the growing importance of tourism in India’s economic landscape.
