Lok Sabha Question No. 2565 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-09
Subject: New Tourism Projects in Kerala
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Kodikunnil Suresh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2565

## ANSWERED ON 09.03.2026

## NEW TOURISM PROJECTS IN KERALA

## 2565. SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of new tourism projects sanctioned or approved for the State of Kerala during the last five years and the current year, year, project and district-wise;
- (b) the details of the total funds allocated, released and utilised for the said projects, year-wise;
- (c) whether  any  projects  under  Swadesh  Darshan  Scheme,  PRASHAD Scheme  or  other  Central  tourism  initiatives  are  currently  under implementation  in  Kerala,  if  so,  the  details  along  with  the  current status thereof;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to sanction new tourism circuits, eco-tourism hubs, cruise tourism infrastructure, heritage conservation projects or digital tourism initiatives in Kerala; and
- (e) the  details  of  the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to promote sustainable tourism and employment generation in Kerala through Central assistance?

## ANSWER

(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

(a) to (e): The Ministry revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 with the focus to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations and sanctioned 53 projects for Rs.2208.31 Crore in the country including Kerala. The scheme focuses on implementation of sustainable and responsible tourism practices in various projects and initiatives and also encourages adoption of principles of sustainable tourism viz. environmental sustainability,  socio-cultural  sustainability  and  economic  sustainability including  employment  generation.  Under  SD2.0  scheme  and  Challenge Based  Destination  Development  (an  initiative  under  Swadesh  Darshan scheme), financial assistance for development of tourism infrastructure and experiences  in  the  country  is  extended  to  the  State  Governments/Union Territory Administrations on receipt of the project proposals from them, in synergy with the scheme guidelines, Government directions, availability of funds, inter-se priority etc. Sanctioning  of  projects  under  applicable  schemes  is  an  ongoing process. A range of components which may enhance tourism facilitation at the destination are considered for sanctioning as per project requirement including those related to sustainability, safety, sanitation, digital initiatives etc. In  addition,  the  Ministry  under  its  'Pilgrimage  Rejuvenation  and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) also sanctions projects to the State Governments/UT Administrations for integrated development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations. Details of the projects sanctioned under SD2.0 & CBDD, which are at different stages of implementation and PRASHAD schemes in the state of Kerala is annexed. Government of India in 202425 sanctioned the projects 'Ashtamudi Biodiversity  and  Eco-recr eational  Hub  in  Kollam'  for  Rs. 59.71  Crore  and 'Global Gateway to Malabar's Cultural Crucible in Sargaalaya' for Rs. 95.34 Crore  under  its  initiative  for  'Special  Assistance  to  States  for  Capital Investment (SASCI)Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale' and these projects are at implementation stage.

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## ANNEXURE

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2565 ANSWERED ON 09.03.2026 REGARDING NEW TOURISM PROJECTS IN KERALA RAISED BY SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH

Details of the projects sanctioned under SD2.0, CBDD & PRASHAD schemes in the state of Kerala:-

| Scheme              | Year of Sanction   | Name of the project                                                     |   Sanction Amount (Rs. In Crore) |   Amount released/ utilized/ authorized for utilization (Rs. In Crore) | Status               |
|---------------------|--------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------|
| Swadesh Darshan 2.0 | 2024-25            | Alappuzha: A Global Water Wonderland                                    |                            93.18 |                                                                   9.32 | Implementation Stage |
| Swadesh Darshan 2.0 | 2024-25            | Enhancement of Tourist Experience at Malampuzha Garden and Leisure Park |                            75.87 |                                                                   7.59 | Do                   |
| Swadesh Darshan 2.0 | 2023-24            | Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Experience                                     |                            13.81 |                                                                   1.38 | Do                   |
| CBDD                | 2024-25            | Varkala- Dakshin Kashi                                                  |                            25    |                                                                   2.5  | Do                   |
| CBDD                | 2024-25            | Thalassery: The Spritiual Nexus                                         |                            25    |                                                                   2.5  | Do                   |
| PRASHAD             | 2016-17            | Development at Guruvayur Temple                                         |                            45.19 |                                                                  45.19 | Physically complete  |

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