DEVELOPMENT OF SPIRITUAL CORRIDORS

The infrastructural and aesthetic development of the spiritual corridors in Kashi, Ayodhya and Mathura has been undertaken through tourism infrastructure projects sanctioned under various schemes of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, including Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD), Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), Assistance to Central Agencies (ACA) and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI). These projects are sanctioned based on proposals received from the respective State Governments/ UT Administrations, subject to the prescribed scheme guidelines and availability of funds. The details of progress made in the development of these spiritual corridors are at Annexure.

The projects have been designed to integrate modern visitor amenities while preserving the cultural, architectural and heritage character of these important spiritual destinations, thereby enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience.

The tourism infrastructure developed under these schemes is also expected to generate positive socio-economic outcomes by promoting cultural tourism, increasing tourist footfall and creating additional livelihood opportunities for local artisans, tourist guides, and stakeholders in the hospitality and allied sectors.

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today. (UPDATED ON 23RD JULY 2026)