Centre Accelerates Development of Spiritual Corridors in Kashi, Ayodhya and Mathura

By Antara Tripathy
IBG NEWS

New Delhi, July 23, 2026: The Government of India has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the country’s spiritual tourism infrastructure by undertaking extensive development of the sacred corridors in Kashi (Varanasi), Ayodhya and Mathura-Vrindavan. The projects aim to preserve India’s rich cultural and religious heritage while providing modern amenities for millions of pilgrims and tourists visiting these iconic destinations every year.

The information was shared by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Multi-Scheme Development Strategy

The Ministry of Tourism is implementing these projects under several flagship schemes, including:

• PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive)
• Swadesh Darshan
• Swadesh Darshan 2.0
• Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)
• Assistance to Central Agencies (ACA)
• Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)

According to the Ministry, projects are sanctioned based on proposals submitted by State Governments and Union Territory Administrations, subject to scheme guidelines and availability of funds.

Preserving Heritage While Modernising Facilities

The government stated that the development projects have been carefully designed to balance modern visitor infrastructure with the preservation of historical, architectural and cultural heritage.

The initiative seeks to improve the overall pilgrimage experience by creating better accessibility, upgraded public amenities, enhanced lighting, improved transportation facilities and visitor-friendly infrastructure without compromising the spiritual character of these historic destinations.

Major Developments in Kashi

In Kashi (Varanasi), multiple tourism infrastructure projects have been completed or are under implementation.

Key developments include:

• Development of Varanasi Phase-I and Phase-II tourism infrastructure.
• Promotion of River Cruise Tourism along the River Ganga.
• Architectural illumination of major heritage landmarks, including:
  • Dashashwamedh Ghat to Darbhanga Ghat
  • Tulsi Manas Mandir
  • Sarnath Museum
  • Dhamekh Stupa
  • Chaukhandi Stupa
  • Tomb of Lal Khan
  • Man Mahal

These initiatives are intended to enhance the city’s heritage appeal while improving the experience for domestic and international visitors.

Ayodhya’s Ramayana Circuit

In Ayodhya, the Ministry has focused on the Ramayana Circuit, one of India’s flagship spiritual tourism initiatives.

The project aims to improve pilgrimage infrastructure, strengthen connectivity and provide better visitor facilities as Ayodhya continues to emerge as one of the country’s most significant religious tourism destinations.

Mathura-Vrindavan Mega Tourist Circuit

The government has also undertaken several projects in Mathura-Vrindavan, including:

• Construction of a Tourist Facilitation Centre.
• Development of the Mathura-Vrindavan Mega Tourist Circuit.
• Upgradation of tourism infrastructure at Govardhan.

The projects are expected to improve visitor management while preserving the religious and cultural significance of the Krishna pilgrimage region.

Boost to Local Economy

The Ministry believes that improved tourism infrastructure will generate significant socio-economic benefits by encouraging cultural and religious tourism.

Higher tourist footfall is expected to create additional employment opportunities for:

• Local artisans
• Tour guides
• Hospitality businesses
• Transport operators
• Small traders
• Other tourism-related stakeholders

Officials noted that enhanced infrastructure can contribute substantially to local economic development while promoting India’s spiritual heritage on the global tourism map.

Focus on Sustainable Tourism

Alongside infrastructure development, the Ministry is encouraging State Governments and Union Territories to adopt environmentally sustainable practices in all sanctioned projects.

The recommended measures include:

• Scientific solid waste management
• Sewage treatment facilities
• Modern public sanitation infrastructure
• Landscaping and plantation drives
• Rainwater harvesting systems
• Solar-powered and energy-efficient lighting
• Eco-friendly mobility solutions
• Other environmentally responsible initiatives

The government said these measures are intended to maintain ecological balance and cleanliness around heavily visited pilgrimage centres while ensuring long-term sustainability.

Strengthening India’s Spiritual Tourism Network

With millions of pilgrims visiting Kashi, Ayodhya and Mathura every year, the Centre’s integrated approach seeks to transform these historic destinations into world-class spiritual tourism hubs. By combining heritage conservation, modern infrastructure and sustainable development, the government aims to enhance the pilgrimage experience while preserving the timeless cultural identity of these sacred cities.