Centre supports tourism infrastructure development in Andhra Pradesh under multiple schemes: Shekhawat.

New Delhi, February 4, 2026: The Union Minister of Tourism has stated that while the development and promotion of tourism destinations is primarily the responsibility of State governments and Union Territory Administrations, the Government of India complements these efforts by providing financial assistance through various central sector schemes.

This information was provided by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on February 2, 2026.

Central Schemes supporting tourism development:

The Ministry extends support for infrastructure development across the country, including coastal and Buddhist destinations, through the following schemes: Swadesh Darshan (SD), Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0), Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD)—a sub-scheme under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD).

Under these schemes, financial assistance is provided to State Governments and UT administrations based on: Submission of eligible project proposals, Alignment with scheme guidelines and government priorities, Availability of funds and inter-se priority.

Projects sanctioned under these schemes include multiple components such as infrastructure creation, visitor amenities, experiential development, and last-mile connectivity, depending on local requirements.

Iconic tourist centres development:

In addition, the Government of India has sanctioned projects under the ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)—Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale’ scheme.

The objective of this initiative is to comprehensively develop iconic tourist centres, along with their branding and global-level marketing.

Promotion of Buddhist Heritage:

The Ministry of Tourism also undertakes holistic promotion of India’s tourism destinations and products in global markets. This includes focused promotion of India’s Buddhist heritage, particularly in Southeast Asian countries, where Buddhist tourism has significant cultural and spiritual relevance.

Andhra Pradesh Projects:

The Minister informed that projects sanctioned in Andhra Pradesh under Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, CBDD, PRASHAD, and SASCI schemes, including those related to Buddhist and coastal regions, have been detailed in an annexure attached to the reply.

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EOM