Tourism ministry approves projects worth Rs450 crore for 5 states

The ministry of tourism has approved projects to the tune of Rs450 crore for development of tourist circuits in five states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Tamil Nadu.

The projects include heritage circuits in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Ramayana Circuit in Uttar Pradesh, North East Circuit in Sikkim and Coastal Circuit of Tamil Nadu under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

The Heritage Circuit in Madhya Pradesh covers Gwalior-Orchha-Khajuraho-Chanderi-Bhimbetka-Mandu involving total project cost of approximately Rs100 crore. The project envisages development of world class infrastructure in the sites, including development of a theme park and convention centre in Khajuraho and sound and light show in Mandu.

Besides, the proposed interventions include site illumination and construction of tourist facilitation centres and parking area in the circuit.

The Heritage Circuit in Uttarakhand involves developing tourism infrastructure in Jageshwar-Devidhura-Katarmal-Baijnath sites with total project cost of approximately Rs83 crore. The highlights of the project involve development of eco log huts, sound and light show and upgradation of temple pathways.

The Coastal Circuit in Tamil Nadu envisages development of Chennai-Mamamallapuram-Rameshwaram-Manpadu-Kanyakumari circuit with total project cost of approximately Rs100 crore has been approved. Sound and light show, development of beach amenities, construction of pedestrian bridge connecting Vivekanand memorial with Tiruvalluvar statue are major highlights of project.

Ramayana Circuit in Uttar Pradesh envisages development of two destinations, viz, Chitrakoot and Shringverpur. The project cost for this circuit is approximately Rs70 crore for development of parikrama marg, food plaza, laser show, foot overbridge connecting MP and UP part of Chitrakoot, besides development of ghats, tourist facilitation centre and parking area.

The Ramayana Circuit in Uttar Pradesh also includes Ayodhya for which the state tourism department of Uttar Pradesh is preparing detailed project report (DPR)

The North East Circuit in Sikkim with approximate project cost of Rs95.50 crore includes development of eco log huts, cultural centre, paragliding centre, craft bazaar, base camp for mountaineering and meditation hall.

The ministry, meanwhile, will be organising the first ever 'Incredible India Tourism Investment Summit' later this month to attract investors across the globe.

The summit, being organised in association with Tourism Finance Corporation of India (TFCI) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will offer a platform for domestic and international investors to meet project owners from across Indian states and the private sector.

The summit will present all investible properties, investment opportunities, MSME role in tourism sector, panel discussions on core infrastructure for tourism, session on start-ups, digital India, investing into Swadesh Darshan, PRASAD, MICE and niche tourism products, B2B meetings and signing of MoUs.

The summit will have dedicated space for seminars, business to business meetings and roundtables around focus themes.

There will be participation from major stakeholders, including states / UTs with their ready investible projects, banks and financial institutions, business developers, cruise liners, domestic investors, entertainment companies, global investors, helicopter services, hoteliers, infrastructure developers, international associations, restaurateurs, spa and yoga centers, tour and travel operators, urban developers, venture capitalist, civic amenity providers.

The Confederation of Indian Industry and Tourism Finance Corporation of India Ltd are principal partners of this summit.