13 Projects, Rs 686 Crore For Telangana Tourism: Union Minister
Under the revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0), two more projects costing a total of ₹94.83 crore had been sanctioned: Reports
HYDERABAD: Union tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat outlined the Centre’s significant efforts to boost tourism in Telangana, highlighting the sanction of 13 projects under the various scheme with over ₹686.39 crore for development of temples, eco-tourism projects, heritage sites, historical forts.
Replying to a question by Medak BJP MP M. Raghunandan Rao, Shekhawat said that the Union tgourism ministry had approved three projects costing ₹268.39 crore under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, targeting thematic circuits such as eco, tribal, and heritage circuits in Telangana.
Under the revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0), two more projects costing a total of ₹94.83 crore had been sanctioned. Additionally, the ‘Challenge Based Destination Development’, a sub-scheme of SD 2.0 had funded two more projects with ₹34.83 crore.
The Centre has also approved two projects worth ₹141.84 crore under the special assistance for capital investment (SASCI) guidelines, aimed at developing iconic tourist centres in the state on a global scale. Another ₹146.5 crore released for development of four temples under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) Scheme.
Shekhawat explained that the Centre was continuously evaluating project proposals based on criteria such as visitor footfall and the cultural, historical, and heritage value of sites. He underscored that Telangana’s tourism growth was driven by these carefully planned schemes focused on sustainable and responsible development.
Complemented by promotional activities including events, digital campaigns, and festivals, these efforts aim to enhance Telangana’s tourism infrastructure and integrate its diverse destinations to boost both spiritual and cultural tourism.
Later, in a statement, Raghunandan Rao thanked the Centre and expressed hope that that the funding would help in creating employment in the state.
What the Centre gives
Details of Central funding for tourism projects in Telangana, as per data provided by BJP MP M. Raghunandan Rao
PRASAD Scheme
Jogulamba Temple: ₹38.9 crore.
Ramappa Temple: ₹62 crore.
Bhadrachalam Temple: ₹41.38 crore.
Renuka Yellamma Temple (Hyderabad): ₹4.22 crore.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme
Eco-tourism project in Mahbubnagar: ₹91.62 crore.
Laknavaram, Medaram, Tadwai, Malloor and Bogata Waterfalls in Mulugu district: ₹79.87 crore.
Qutb Shahi tombs under Heritage Park: ₹96.9 crore.
Swadesh Darshan 2.0
Bhuvanagiri fort: ₹56.8 crore.
Anantagiri Hills eco-tourism: ₹38.01 crore.
Challenge-based destination development scheme
Budhavanam in Nalgonda: ₹ 24.85 crore.
Eco-tourism in Nizamsagar, Kamareddy: ₹9.98 crore.
Special assitance to states for capital investment scheme
Tourist circuit in Ramappa Region: ₹73.74 crore.
Somasila wellness and spiritual retreat: ₹68.10 crore.
