The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) for the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in Ministry of Tourism has approved projects worth INR 450 crore for development of Heritage Circuit in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Ramayana Circuit in Uttar Pradesh, North East Circuit in Sikkim and Coastal Circuit of Tamil Nadu. MP’s Heritage Circuit covers Gwalior, Orchha, Khajuraho, Chanderi, Bhimbetka and Mandu, with total project cost of approximately INR 100 crore.
The project envisages infrastructural development of the sites, which includes developing a theme park and convention centre in Khajuraho, and sound and light show in Mandu. Site illumination, construction of tourist facilitation centres and parking areas are other developments proposed in the circuit. The Heritage Circuit in Uttarakhand will receive tourism infrastructure developments in Jageshwar, Devidhura, Katarmal and Baijnath sites, with total project cost of aroudn INR 83 crore. The highlights of the projects in Uttarakhand are development of eco-log huts, sound and light show and upgradation of temple pathways.
Coastal Circuit in Tamil Nadu envisages developments in Chennai, Mamamallapuram, Rameshwaram, Manpadu and Kanyakumari; project cost of around INR 100 crore has been approved. These projects will include sound and light show, development of beach amenities, and construction of pedestrian bridge connecting Vivekanand Memorial with Tiruvalluvar Statue.
The Ramayana Circuit in Uttar Pradesh includes development of two destinations – Chitrakoot and Shringverpur. The project cost for this circuit is around INR 70 crore for development of Parikrama Marg, food Plaza, laser show, foot-over bridge connecting MP and UP, part of Chitrakoot, and development of Ghats, tourist facilitation centre and parking areas. Ramayana Circuit in UP also includes Ayodhya for which the state tourism department is preparing a detailed project report.
Whereas, the North East Circuit in Sikkim, with a project cost of around INR 95.50 crore, includes development of eco-log huts, cultural centre, paragliding centre, craft bazaar, base camp for mountaineering and meditation hall.
