India, Aug. 4 -- The Government of India issued the following news release:
Ministry of Tourism launched its 'Swadesh Darshan scheme (SDS)' in 2014-15 with the idea to develop tourism infrastructure under identified thematic tourism circuits in the country. The scheme was revamped as 'Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0)' with the aim to develop sustainable tourism destinations with tourist and destination centric approach and has sanctioned 52 projects. In addition, the Ministry has also sanctioned 36 projects under 'Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan. Further Government of India under 'Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment (SASCI)' scheme has also sanctioned 40 projects in the country. The projects under the above-mentioned scheme were sanctioned on receipt of the project proposals from the States, its assessment, availability of funds, inter-se priority etc. Details of projects sanctioned under SD2.0, CBDD and SASCI is annexed.
The Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme recognizes that in order to minimize the negative impacts and maximise positive impacts, sustainable and responsible tourism is a key. It encourages adoption of principles of sustainable tourism including environmental sustainability, socio-cultural sustainability and economic sustainability. The scheme focuses on development of variety of tourism projects including new emerging trends in order to provide enhanced experience to the tourists.
No specific study has been undertaken to incorporate emerging trends in Swadesh Darshan scheme. However, the scheme guidelines provide an illustrative list of components which can enhance tourism potential covering tourism core products, tourism activities, performing art infra, sanitation & safety, connectivity & parking, general site development, soft interventions etc. The projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, CBDD and SASCI schemes include a variety of projects covering various tourism trends and immersive experiences such as beach experience, cave experience, adventure, border experience, meditation centre, convention centre, religious & spiritual aspects, bird sanctuary, historical theme park, tribal culture experience, fort, bio-diversity and eco-recreation, sub-marine tourism etc.
In order to provide better connectivity, the Ministry under its schemes also provides assistance for last mile connectivity. The Ministry co-ordinates with concerned line Ministries to improve connectivity including road and air connectivity.
As informed by Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), MoCA has launched Regional Connectivity Scheme - Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) on 21.10.2016 to enhance regional air connectivity from unserved and underserved airports in the country and make air travel affordable to the masses. During the 3rd round of bidding under the UDAN Scheme, a total of 106 tourism-specific routes were incorporated at the request of Ministry of Tourism.
A total of 53 Tourism RCS routes operated till 31.01.2025 under UDAN with 100% VGF support by Ministry of Tourism, providing direct air connectivity to tourist destinations and cultural sites in the country.
The government has also announced the launch of modified UDAN Scheme to increase regional connectivity to 120 new destinations across the country and cater to 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years. The scheme will also support helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational and North East Region districts.
The Ministry has launched the revamped version of Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP) as a comprehensive resource of travellers and stakeholders interested in exploring the country's rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and diverse attractions. The IIDP uses an AI-powered tool that personalizes visitor experiences by offering real-time weather updates, city exploration, and essential travel services. The portal has also partnered with several Online Travel Agents (OTAs) and stakeholders for seamless booking of flights, hotels, cabs & buses and tickets for ASI monuments.
This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Table Omitted (The document can be viewed at https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2152149 )
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
