The minister said the Centre has also undertaken several initiatives to promote the Northeast as a major tourism destination
KRC TIMES National Bureau
New Delhi | The Centre has sanctioned ?2,998.87 crore for 60 tourism infrastructure projects across the Northeast under various central schemes, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Rajya Sabha .
The information was provided in a written reply to an unstarred question by Rajya Sabha MP Rwngwra Narzary.
Shekhawat said the projects have been approved under the Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) schemes.
He clarified that the projects are sanctioned subject to compliance with scheme guidelines, submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and the availability of funds.
Send your resume:
biswa@jigyasu.co.in
krcfoundation@gmail.com
Focus on tourism promotion
The minister said the Centre has also undertaken several initiatives to promote the Northeast as a major tourism destination.
He highlighted the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav 2024, organised by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) in New Delhi from December 6 to 8, 2024, which showcased the region’s handicrafts, art, culture and cuisine.
Quoting information provided by the DoNER Ministry, Shekhawat said the event significantly enhanced the branding and visibility of the Northeast while creating business opportunities for artisans, entrepreneurs and local producers.
He further noted that the Ministry of Tourism organises the International Tourism Mart annually on a rotational basis across the northeastern states to promote tourism, attract investment and strengthen engagement with industry stakeholders.
The minister also referred to the Rising North East Investors Summit, organised by the DoNER Ministry in New Delhi in May 2025, as part of efforts to attract investment to the region.
Kaziranga records sharp rise in tourist arrivals
Highlighting tourism growth in Assam, Shekhawat said the Centre continues to provide financial assistance for developing tourism circuits, including those centred around national parks, while promoting destinations through digital campaigns, tourism events and other outreach initiatives.
Among Assam’s protected areas, Kaziranga National Park recorded the highest tourist footfall.
According to the data shared in the Rajya Sabha:
” Domestic tourist arrivals increased from 3,06,979 in 2023-24 to 4,35,138 in 2025-26.
” Foreign tourist arrivals rose from 13,904 to 29,883 during the same period.
” Revenue generated by the park increased from ?8.88 crore in 2023-24 to ?11.11 crore in 2025-26, the highest among Assam’s national parks.
The minister said the Centre would continue supporting tourism infrastructure development and destination promotion across the Northeast through its flagship schemes and coordinated initiatives with the state governments.
