Management of Pilgrim Destinations under PRASHAD scheme
Management of Pilgrim Destinations under PRASHAD scheme
Ministry of Tourism under the “Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive” (PRASHAD) provides financial assistance to the State Governments (SGs) and UT Administrations (UTs) for development of tourism infrastructure at identified religious and heritage sites across the country. During the year 2025, a total of 7 projects were sanctioned under the PRASHAD Scheme the details of which are placed at Annexure.
Carrying capacity and crowd-flow parameters form an integral part of project planning under the PRASHAD Scheme. As per the scheme guidelines, selection of pilgrimage destinations takes into account the carrying capacity of a destination to manage pilgrim inflows.
To address gaps of safety, sanitation and accessibility, key interventions have been sanctioned under PRASHAD projects which includes development of pedestrian pathways, lighting, CCTV surveillance, drinking water facilities, toilets, solid waste management systems, firefighting, fire alarm, signages among others to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for pilgrims.
In accordance with the Scheme Guidelines respective State Government /UT administration formulates comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) for projects in consultations with the respective administration, local bodies and other stakeholders. The projects sanctioned under the said scheme are implemented by the State/UT Government concerned. The funding pattern under the Scheme outlines that the 5th installment of the project i.e., 5% of the project cost is released after successful operation and maintenance. Further, the infrastructure so created are handed over to the respective temple shrine/religious trusts through the concerned State Government/ UT administration.
The vital facilities created under the PRASHAD Scheme such as pathways, lighting, drinking water, toilets and access arrangements at the sites help local authorities in managing the movement of pilgrims and in providing essential services during periods of high footfall.
This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
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Sunil Kumar Tiwari
ANNEXURE
List of projects sanctioned under PRASHAD Scheme in year 2025
S.
No.
State/UT
Project Name
Sanctioned Year
Sanctioned Cost
(₹ in Crore)
1
Bihar
Development of Ambika Bhawani Temple, Saran
March 2025
13.29
2
Karnataka
Development of Renuka Yallama Devi temple
March 2025
18.37
3
Karnataka
Development of Basic Amenities at Papnash Temple, Bidar dist.
March 2025
22.25
4
Mizoram
Development of Basic Amenities under PRASHAD scheme in Vangchhia, Champhai District
March 2025
5.47
5
Puducherry
Development of Pilgrim Facilites & Tourist attractions for Sri Dharbaranyeswara Temple
March 2025
25.94
6
Tamil Nadu
Development of 8 Navagraha Temples
March 2025
40.94
7
Telangana
Development of Basic Amenities at goddess Renuka Yellama Devasthanam
March 2025