Saturday, November 30, 2024 The Union Government has approved interest-free loans totaling ₹3,295 crore to support the development of tourism infrastructure across India. This initiative aims to bolster the country’s tourism sector by enhancing facilities at prominent destinations and fostering the growth of lesser-known ones. A total of 40 projects have been identified across 23 States, marking a significant step towards the revitalization and promotion of Indian tourism.
As part of this initiative, the Union Tourism Ministry has encouraged States to focus on emerging and off-the-beaten-path destinations, such as Bateshwar in Uttar Pradesh, Ponda in Goa, Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh, and Porbandar in Gujarat. These loans, cleared by the Union Finance Ministry earlier this week, will be distributed under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, which is specifically designed to support long-term infrastructure development in the tourism sector. The SASCI scheme offers interest-free loans with a repayment period of 50 years, enabling States to develop and promote iconic tourism destinations.
The funding will support both the creation of tourism infrastructure and its global marketing, aiming to position these destinations on the international map. The Tourism Ministry received 87 project proposals from various States, with an estimated total cost of over ₹8,000 crore. After a detailed evaluation, 40 projects were shortlisted, totaling ₹3,2.
