India’s PRASHAD Scheme: Revitalizing Spiritual Tourism and Heritage Infrastructure Across the Nation
The PRASHAD Scheme, with ₹1,726.74 crore sanctioned for 54 projects, aims to rejuvenate India’s pilgrimage and heritage sites with world-class infrastructure.
A Sacred Revival: India’s Grand Plan to Transform Pilgrimage Tourism
From ancient temples nestled in the Himalayas to serene ghats lining the Ganga, India’s spiritual heritage is as vast as it is profound. In a decisive move to bolster this rich tapestry of faith and culture, the Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 54 infrastructure projects under the PRASHAD Scheme — a flagship mission to rejuvenate and augment pilgrimage and heritage destinations across the country.
The initiative, with an estimated outlay of ₹1,726.74 crore, marks a pivotal step in reimagining spiritual tourism, not just as a religious experience but as a catalyst for economic development, job creation, and cultural preservation.
The PRASHAD Scheme: A National Mission Rooted in Tradition
Launched as a Central Sector Scheme by the Ministry of Tourism, the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) began its journey in 2015, initially known as the PRASAD scheme.
The scheme’s core objective is the integrated development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations by enhancing infrastructure, connectivity, and visitor amenities. In October 2017, following the closure of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s HRIDAY scheme, PRASHAD absorbed responsibilities related to heritage development, leading to a revised mandate and its current nomenclature.
By merging spiritual and heritage tourism under one umbrella, PRASHAD seeks to offer pilgrims and tourists a holistic, safe, and enriching travel experience.
54 Projects, ₹1,726.74 Crore, and a Vision for Inclusive Growth
In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on July 31, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat confirmed that the ministry has so far sanctioned 54 projects under PRASHAD. These are spread across various states and Union Territories, reflecting a diverse geographic focus.
The sanctioned projects aim to transform critical infrastructure touchpoints, including:
- Last-mile connectivity via road, rail, and water transport
- Modern tourism facilities such as waiting rooms, interpretation centers, ATMs, money exchange kiosks, and eco-friendly transport
- Essential amenities like toilets, drinking water stations, rain shelters, and first-aid centers
- Sustainable energy use, with area lighting and illumination sourced from renewables
- Commercial infrastructure, including souvenir shops, craft bazaars (haats), cafes, and cloakrooms
This comprehensive development strategy ensures that pilgrimage sites are not only spiritually fulfilling but also safe, accessible, and aligned with India’s eco-tourism and sustainability goals.
Expert Insight: Reimagining Pilgrimage for the 21st Century
Dr. S.K. Misra, a former tourism policy advisor and heritage conservationist, lauded the scheme, stating,
“PRASHAD brings a much-needed fusion of faith and functionality. It’s no longer just about reaching the shrine — it’s about the journey, the environment, and the infrastructure around it.”
Tour operators have also taken note. Anita Kulkarni, director of a Pune-based spiritual travel agency, noted a marked increase in demand:
“We’re seeing more elderly tourists and NRIs choosing India for spiritual tourism. Good infrastructure directly impacts their decision to travel.”
Public Sentiment and Regional Impact
The PRASHAD scheme has been especially welcomed in states with prominent pilgrimage hubs — including Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand — where religious tourism contributes significantly to the local economy.
Local artisans and shopkeepers, especially in areas slated for craft bazaars and souvenir shops, are expected to benefit from increased footfall and structured selling zones. Likewise, employment in sectors like hospitality, transport, and retail is likely to see an uptick.
However, experts have urged that infrastructure development must maintain cultural authenticity and not disrupt traditional community practices. “The challenge is to upgrade without erasing,” said Rita Sharma, a heritage architect.
What’s Next: Sustaining Sacred Spaces
As these 54 projects move toward implementation, monitoring, timely execution, and community participation will be critical. The Ministry of Tourism has indicated a focus on sustainability, ensuring the sites remain resilient to overcrowding, climate change, and commercialization pressures.
Moreover, digital integration — including e-bookings, virtual guides, and QR code-based interpretation — is also on the anvil, aligning spiritual tourism with India’s Smart City vision.
The scheme is also expected to integrate with other central missions like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Digital India, enhancing both hygiene and digital connectivity at major sites.
Conclusion: A Spiritual and Structural Renaissance
The PRASHAD Scheme represents more than just infrastructure—it is a blueprint for revitalizing India’s spiritual ecosystem while preserving the soul of its heritage. With ₹1,726.74 crore invested in faith-driven development, India is building bridges—both literal and symbolic—between its past and its future.
As these rejuvenated sites prepare to welcome millions, they carry the promise of cleaner, safer, and more inclusive pilgrimages, where every step is supported by both tradition and modernity.
Disclaimer: This article is based on government statements and public domain information as of August 1, 2025. Developments after this date may not be reflected.