Union Ministry of Tourism, through its Central sector schemes, has sanctioned various projects worth ₹375.07 crore, said Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
In a written reply to the questions by Sana Satish Babu and Beedha Masthan Rao Yadav in the Rajya Sabha, Mr. Shekhawat said financial assistance was extended to the State of Andhra Pradesh under Swadesh Darshan (SD), Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0), Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan, and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD).
The Minister said funds to the tune of ₹97.52 crore were sanctioned for the Suryalanka Beach project, and ₹29.871 crore for Borra Cave Experience at Araku-Lambasingi under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 in the State for the year 2024-25. Similarly, ₹25 crore each was sanctioned for the projects ‘Ahobilam- a Spiritual Odyssey’ and for enriching Buddhist heritage and cultural experience at Nagarjuna Sagar, under the CBDD scheme.
The Minister said under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), ₹77.91 crore was allocated for the Gandikota project and ₹94.44 crore for the Akhanda Godavari scheme at Rajamahendravaram. Other allocations included ₹25.33 crore for development of pilgrimage tourism in Annavaram temple town under PRASHAD. Three projects worth ₹124.89 crore sanctioned in the previous year, are in progress.
Mr. Shekhawat said Andhra Pradesh utilised funds to the tune of ₹147.46 crore sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan scheme to develop coastal circuit and Buddhist circuit projects between 2014 and 2018.
*
Published – July 24, 2025 10:28 pm IST
