Emphasising that tourism has the potential to bring prosperity to the lives of many, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday stressed that the Union Government will continue to focus on enhancing India’s tourism infrastructure to ensure more people can experience the wonders of Incredible India.

Responding to Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekawat’s post on X, Modi said, “Tourism has the potential to bring prosperity to the lives of many. Our Government will keep focussing on enhancing India’s tourism infrastructure to ensure more people can experience the wonders of #IncredibleIndia.”

The Centre has approved an investment of Rs 3,295.76 crore for taking up 40 projects across 23 states for the development of iconic tourist centres to global standards.

Earlier, Shekawat in a post on X said, “Ensuring the whole world sees every nook and corner of Bharat, one iconic site at a time! In a huge boost for Bharat’s tourism sector, our govt led by PM Narendra Modi has today approved 40 projects across 23 states under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, to develop iconic tourist centers to global standards.”

These projects, worth Rs 3,295.76 crore will foster local economies and create employment through sustainable tourism. From decongesting popular sites, integrating advanced technologies, and promoting sustainable practices, to encouraging public-private partnerships to enhance infrastructure and visitor experiences, a host of measures will be undertaken to ensure a world-class experience for everyone who wishes to soak in Bharat’s natural, cultural and historic grandeur, the Minister said.

The projects include the Gandikota Fort, Havelock Bridge and Pushkaram Ghat in Andhra Pradesh, the Siang adventure and eco at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh, the Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden in Guwahati and the beautification of Rang Ghar at Sivasagar.

Among other projects include Chhattisgarh, an ecotourism and cultural hub at the Roerich and Devika Rani estate in Bengaluru’s Tataguni, the re-development of Umiam Lake, Shillong, border experience at Nathula Pass in Sikkim, a rafting base station in Rishikesh, Nandavanam Heritage Park in Mamallapuram (near Chennai).

The projects range from a biodiversity and eco-recreational hub in Kerala’s Ashtamudi backwaters to underwater tourism in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg.

“The aim of SASCI is to develop iconic tourist centres to global standards…(and) will foster local economies and create employment through sustainable tourism,” said the Tourism Minister.

“From decongesting popular sites, integrating advanced technologies, promoting sustainable practices to encouraging public-private partnerships to enhance infra and visitor experiences, a host of measures will be undertaken to ensure a world-class experience for everyone who wishes to soak in Bharat’s natural, cultural and historic grandeur,” he added.