India Tourism Infrastructure Boost: 75 Swadesh Darshan Projects

India’s tourism infrastructure has entered a new growth phase with 75 Swadesh Darshan projects completed. Explore how Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, and iconic destination development are reshaping opportunities for B2B travel professionals.

India’s tourism ecosystem is undergoing a structural transformation. With the completion of 75 projects under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the country has laid a strong foundation for scalable, theme-based tourism infrastructure that directly benefits tour operators, consolidators, and corporate travel planners.

For the B2B travel and aviation industry, these developments signal improved destination readiness, stronger regional connectivity, and new opportunities for curated travel products across domestic and inbound markets.

Swadesh Darshan: A Decade of Infrastructure-Led Tourism Growth

Launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Tourism, the Swadesh Darshan Scheme was designed to develop theme-based tourist circuits across states.

Under the original phase, 76 projects were sanctioned with a total outlay of INR 5,290.33 crore. As of early 2026, 75 projects have been physically completed, reflecting near-full execution of the initial roadmap.

These circuits—covering coastal belts, desert landscapes, Buddhist trails, Himalayan routes, and cultural corridors—have significantly enhanced last-mile connectivity, visitor amenities, and destination management standards.

Transition to Swadesh Darshan 2.0: A Destination-Centric Model

Building on the infrastructure backbone, the ministry introduced Swadesh Darshan 2.0, shifting focus from asset creation to sustainable destination management.

So far, 53 projects have been sanctioned under SD 2.0 with an investment of INR 2,208.27 crore. The emphasis is on:

• Responsible tourism practices

• Community participation

• Environmental conservation

• Higher visitor yield rather than volume

For B2B stakeholders, this translates into destinations that are better positioned for premium itineraries, longer stays, and repeat visitation.

Challenge-Based Destination Development: Strengthening the Value Chain

To drive quality and competitiveness, the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) sub-scheme was introduced.

Under CBDD:

• 36 projects have been approved

• INR 648.11 crore allocated

• Focus areas include Spiritual Tourism, Culture & Heritage, Vibrant Villages, and Ecotourism with Amrit Dharohar sites

Border destinations such as Kibitho (Arunachal Pradesh) and Mana (Uttarakhand) are emerging as niche products, offering travel agents new circuits that blend geography, culture, and national identity.

PRASHAD Scheme: Modernising Pilgrimage Tourism

Pilgrimage continues to be a high-volume driver for domestic travel. Under the PRASHAD scheme:

• 54 projects sanctioned

• INR 1,726.74 crore allocated

• 31 projects completed

Integrated planning around crowd management, accommodation, mobility, and sanitation is improving the experience for spiritual travelers while supporting organized tour operations.

Creating Global Iconic Tourist Centres

Following the Union Budget 2024–25, India accelerated the development of globally competitive destinations through the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).

Key highlights:

• 40 projects across 23 states shortlisted

• INR 3,295.76 crore sanctioned

• Funding structured as 50-year interest-free loans

This long-term approach is expected to elevate select Indian destinations to international benchmarks, benefiting inbound tour operators and airline route planners alike.

Community Empowerment: Skills, Stories, and Homestays

Tourism infrastructure is incomplete without skilled human capital. Programs such as Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi have trained over 4,382 local stakeholders as destination ambassadors.

In parallel, the PM-JUGA initiative is enabling the development of 1,000 tribal homestays, offering authentic experiences while ensuring tourism revenue reaches grassroots communities.

For B2B buyers, this opens access to experiential products with strong sustainability credentials.

India’s Push in MICE and Medical Tourism

India is steadily positioning itself as a regional hub for MICE tourism through the Meet in India sub-brand. A digital MICE infrastructure catalogue now covers 60 cities, simplifying planning for international events and incentive travel.

Medical tourism is also gaining momentum. In 2024, foreign tourist arrivals for medical purposes touched 6,44,387, supported by:

• Competitive tertiary healthcare

• Ayush-based wellness offerings

• E-Medical and E-Ayush visas for 171 countries

Strategic Promotion and Market Outreach

High-visibility initiatives such as Bharat Parv, International Day of Yoga, Dekho Apna Desh, and the Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign are reinforcing India’s tourism brand globally.

These campaigns strengthen destination recall, supporting both outbound partnerships and inbound demand generation.

Key Takeaway for B2B Travel Professionals

India’s tourism infrastructure is no longer just expanding—it is maturing. The completion of Swadesh Darshan projects, the shift to destination-led planning, and the rise of iconic centers collectively create a stronger, more predictable ecosystem for B2B travel planning.

For travel agents, consolidators, and airline partners, this means better products, improved operational reliability, and scalable opportunities across leisure, MICE, and medical travel segments.

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