Over the past 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s cultural
journey has flourished like a rangoli: colorful, rooted in tradition and open to the world. From the
timeless temples of Hampi to the living traditions of classical music and dance, the government
has given new energy to both tangible and intangible heritage. Forgotten heroes have been
remembered and ancient knowledge has been preserved through modern tools. Together, these
efforts proudly carry the spirit of Bharat to the world.
From the grand Kashi Vishwanath Corridor to the divine presence of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, the
government is preserving heritage and deepening cultural roots. Through spiritual circuits and
modern pilgrim amenities, India’s civilizational pride is being seamlessly revived.
1. Redevelopment of Temple Corridors and Pilgrimage Sites
| Project/Site | Initiative Taken |
|---|---|
| Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, UP | Revitalized Varanasi by transforming ancient ghats, narrow lanes, and improving access to the temple. |
| Mahakaal Lok Project, MP | Launched to provide world-class amenities and spiritual ambience, enriching the pilgrim experience at Mahakaleshwar temple. |
| Ma Kamakhya Temple, Assam | Focused on enhancing infrastructure and pilgrim facilities, ensuring a more comfortable and accessible spiritual experience. |
| Ram Mandir, Ayodhya | Bhoomipujan held in August 2020; grand temple inaugurated on January 22, 2024. |
| Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand | Integrated development includes installation of Adi Shankaracharya statue, enhancing spiritual and civilizational significance. |
| Juna Somnath Temple & Promenade, Gujarat | Rejuvenation of pilgrimage sites continues legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar; development includes Parvati Mandir and promenade offering sea-view of Somnath Temple. |
2. Enhancing Pilgrimage Connectivity
| Project | Work Done |
|---|---|
| Char Dham Highway Project | Upgrade of 5 NHs connecting Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra route (825 km total; 616 km completed by July 2024). |
| Hemkund Sahib Ropeway | 12.4 km ropeway approved from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji in Uttarakhand; project cost ₹2,730.13 crore. |
| Buddhist Circuit | UP (2016–17): ₹87.89 cr for Sravasti, Kushinagar, Kapilvastu AP (2017–18): ₹35.24 cr for Shalihundam, Amravati, etc. Bihar (2016–17): ₹95.18 cr for Bodh Gaya Convention Centre Gujarat (2017–18): ₹26.68 cr for sites incl. Junagadh, Bharuch MP (2016–17): ₹74.02 cr for Sanchi, Dhar, Rewa, etc. |
| Kartarpur Sahib Corridor | Inaugurated on November 9, 2019; enables Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan without visa. |
3. Inclusive Heritage Development
The Government of India has adopted a holistic and inclusive approach to heritage development—preserving not only major temples and corridors, but also religious sites belonging to all faiths, promoting communal harmony and cultural preservation.
Key Schemes and Initiatives
| Scheme | Highlights |
|---|---|
| PRASHAD(Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) | – Focuses on rejuvenating places of worship across multiple faiths (temples, mosques, churches, shrines).- ₹1,900 crore invested in spiritual and cultural sites nationwide. |
| Swadesh Darshan | – Supports theme-based tourism circuits.- ₹5,292.91 crore sanctioned for 76 projects under Phase 1.- Swadesh Darshan 2.0 approved 34 new projects (2023–25). |
| HRIDAY(Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana) | – Aims at holistic development of 12 heritage cities, including infrastructure, aesthetics, and cultural conservation. |
Objectives and Impact
- Promotes religious diversity and unity by preserving diverse places of worship.
- Supports community rebuilding and boosts local economies through tourism.
- Creates infrastructure that attracts both domestic and international visitors.
Tangible Outcomes (as of 2024)
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Foreign Tourist Arrivals | 9.66 million |
| Foreign Exchange Earnings | ₹2,77,842 crore |
