The Ministry of Tourism has confirmed that during 2025, several projects related to the redevelopment of pilgrimage destinations were approved and sanctioned under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive, commonly known as PRASHAD, along with Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and the Challenge-Based Destination Development scheme. These initiatives are aimed at improving facilities for devotees, easing crowd pressure, protecting heritage structures, and strengthening local economies dependent on religious tourism.
The redevelopment of temple corridors and pilgrimage sites is being carried out through a cooperative model between the Centre and State Governments. While the identification of sites and local planning is done by states and Union Territories, the Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance and policy guidance to ensure quality and sustainability.
According to official information released by the Ministry, these schemes are designed to complement state-level efforts rather than replace them. Financial support is extended for the creation and upgradation of tourism-related infrastructure at prominent religious destinations, including temples, spiritual circuits, Buddhist heritage sites, and sacred landscapes.
The focus remains on ensuring that development does not dilute the religious essence of the sites. Instead, the goal is to make pilgrimages safer, more organised, and more comfortable, especially for elderly devotees, women, and people with disabilities.
PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan schemes explained
The PRASHAD scheme focuses specifically on the rejuvenation of pilgrimage destinations by improving basic infrastructure and visitor amenities. It targets temple towns and sacred sites that witness heavy footfall during festivals and peak seasons, often leading to congestion, sanitation challenges, and safety risks.
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 takes a broader approach by developing theme-based tourism circuits, including spiritual and heritage circuits. The updated version of the scheme places strong emphasis on destination management, sustainability, and community participation.
In addition, the Challenge Based Destination Development scheme supports innovative projects that aim to unlock the tourism potential of lesser-known destinations with strong cultural or spiritual value.
Together, these schemes form the backbone of the government’s strategy to modernise religious tourism infrastructure while safeguarding India’s diverse spiritual traditions.
Planning based on project reports
Every redevelopment project approved under these schemes follows a structured planning process. Detailed Project Reports are prepared in consultation with State Governments, Union Territory administrations, local bodies, temple trusts, and other stakeholders connected with the site.
The Ministry of Tourism has stressed that these consultations are crucial to maintaining the spiritual integrity and cultural authenticity of pilgrimage destinations. Development plans are carefully designed to blend modern facilities with traditional architecture and religious practices.
Each Detailed Project Report also includes a clear plan for long-term operation and maintenance. This ensures that newly created infrastructure such as pathways, lighting systems, sanitation facilities, and information centres remain functional even after the project implementation phase ends.
Addressing overcrowding and infrastructure stress
One of the major reasons behind the redevelopment push is the growing pressure on pilgrimage sites due to rising numbers of devotees. Popular temples and religious centres often struggle with overcrowding, traffic congestion, environmental damage, and inadequate public facilities.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned a wide range of infrastructure interventions. These include the construction of queue management complexes to regulate darshan lines, waiting halls to protect pilgrims from heat and rain, and the widening of approach roads to ease traffic flow.
Parking facilities are being upgraded to reduce roadside congestion, while last-mile connectivity solutions are being introduced to help pilgrims reach temple premises safely and efficiently.
Safety and cleanliness are key pillars of the redevelopment strategy. Closed-circuit television cameras are being installed at several pilgrimage sites to enhance security and crowd monitoring. Improved lighting systems are being introduced to ensure safety during early morning and late-night visits.
Sanitation infrastructure, including modern toilets and solid waste management systems, is being strengthened to improve hygiene standards. Special attention is being given to the management of pious waste such as flowers and offerings, ensuring that religious practices do not harm the local environment.
Rainwater harvesting and eco-friendly construction methods are being incorporated wherever possible, reflecting the government’s emphasis on responsible and sustainable tourism development.
Enhancing the overall pilgrim experience
Beyond physical infrastructure, the redevelopment projects aim to enhance the overall spiritual and cultural experience of pilgrims. Tourist Information Centres are being set up to provide guidance, maps, and assistance to visitors, particularly first-time pilgrims and tourists from other states or countries.
Interpretation facilities are also being developed at select sites to help visitors understand the historical, mythological, and cultural significance of the destination. These include signage, digital displays, and curated storytelling spaces that enrich the pilgrimage journey without commercialising it.
Amenities centres offering drinking water, seating areas, medical aid, and resting spaces are being integrated into temple complexes and surrounding areas to improve comfort for devotees.
Wide Geographic spread of projects across states
The pilgrimage redevelopment projects sanctioned in 2025 cover a wide geographic spread, reflecting the national scope of the initiative. States from different regions, including the North East, South India, North India, and Himalayan belt, have received approvals under various schemes.
In Andhra Pradesh, projects focus on enriching Buddhist heritage at Nagarjuna Sagar and developing Abhobilam as a spiritual destination. Bihar has received major support for Buddhist infrastructure in Bodh Gaya as well as temple development in Saran district.
Himachal Pradesh’s Maa Chintpurni Devi Temple, Jharkhand’s Ramrekha Dham, and Kerala’s Thalassery region are also among the destinations undergoing development.
Karnataka has projects aimed at improving amenities at Renuka Yallamma Devi Temple and Papnash Temple in Bidar district, while Madhya Pradesh is witnessing redevelopment at Pitambara Peeth in Datia and the historic town of Orchha.
Focus on North East and lesser known destinations
A notable feature of the 2025 sanctions is the focus on the North Eastern states and lesser-known spiritual destinations. Projects have been approved in Meghalaya at Nartiang, in Mizoram at Vangchhia village, and in Nagaland through the Impur heritage experience initiative.
Sikkim’s Kabi region is being developed as a heritage and unity destination, while Uttarakhand’s Kainchi Dham campus is also included under the redevelopment plan.
By supporting these sites, the government aims to reduce pressure on overburdened pilgrimage centres while promoting regional balance in religious tourism.
Rajasthan has emerged as a significant beneficiary under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, with multiple projects sanctioned for the redevelopment of Shri Khatu Shyam Ji Temple in Sikar, Shri Karni Mata Temple in Bikaner, and Malaseri Dungri in Bhilwara district.
Tamil Nadu’s projects include the iconic transformation of Rameswaram and the development of eight Navagraha temples under the PRASHAD scheme. These initiatives are expected to greatly enhance infrastructure at some of the most visited pilgrimage sites in southern India.
Telangana has also received support for improving basic amenities at Goddess Renuka Yellamma Devasthanam, while Puducherry’s Sri Dharbaranyeswara Temple is set to receive upgraded pilgrim facilities.
The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned funds for all approved projects, with partial amounts released based on project timelines and implementation milestones. Most projects sanctioned in 2025 are currently at the ongoing stage, with groundwork, planning, and initial execution underway.
The phased release of funds is intended to ensure accountability, quality control, and timely completion. Utilisation of funds is monitored regularly by the Ministry in coordination with state authorities.
Boosting local economy and employment
Beyond religious and cultural benefits, the redevelopment of pilgrimage sites is expected to generate significant economic impact at the local level. Improved tourism infrastructure attracts more visitors, leading to increased demand for local services such as accommodation, transport, food, handicrafts, and guiding services.
The Ministry has emphasised that these projects are designed to create employment opportunities for local youth and artisans while strengthening small businesses dependent on pilgrimage tourism.
Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared details of these initiatives in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. He reiterated the government’s commitment to developing pilgrimage destinations in a holistic, sustainable, and culturally sensitive manner.
The Minister highlighted that the objective is not only to improve facilities but also to conserve local traditions, protect heritage assets, and ensure that spiritual tourism contributes meaningfully to national development.
The redevelopment of temple corridors and pilgrimage sites under PRASHAD, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, and related schemes marks a significant shift in India’s approach to religious tourism. By combining infrastructure development with sustainability, cultural preservation, and community involvement, the government aims to balance faith with modern needs.
As these projects progress across states, they are expected to set new benchmarks for pilgrimage management in India. If implemented effectively, the initiatives could transform the experience of millions of devotees while preserving the sacred character of India’s most revered spiritual destinations.
