The Center has approved 40 projects totalling more than Rs 3,295 crore, spread across 23 states, to transform lesser-known locations into renowned landmarks and encourage a more equitable distribution of tourists around the nation.

The Ministry of Tourism has released operational guidelines for Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) to develop key tourist destinations. These guidelines have been shared with state governments, asking them to create and submit project proposals for iconic tourist centres that have the potential to become major attractions. According to a senior ministry official, 87 proposals totalling more than Rs 8,000 crore were received by the submission deadline of October 15, 2024.

Following that, the Ministry of Tourism identified 40 projects in 23 states for a total of Rs 3295.76 crore in accordance with guidelines and the procedure or criteria, which the Department of Expenditure has now approved, according to an official. Among the places chosen are Orchha (Madhya Pradesh), Porvorim (Goa), Matsyagandha Lake, Saharsa (Bihar), Rang Ghar, Sivasagar (Assam), and the projected Town Square. The goal of this scheme is to provide long-term, interest-free loans to states for up to 50 years. These loans will be used to develop major tourist destinations across the country and promote them internationally.

The plan also envisions the expansion of the local economy and job creation through sustainable tourist projects by injecting capital investment in the form of projects. "This initiative aims to ease pressure on the high-traffic sites and promote a more balanced distribution of tourists across the country. By focusing on lesser-known destinations, the ministry hopes to enhance the overall tourism experience, boost local economies, and ensure sustainable growth in the sector through a strategic approach to new project selection," the ministry said. According to the statement, the states have been given two years to finish the projects, while the funding will be made available before March 2026.