:Mumbai, 04, December 2025

Tourist visit estimates for Maharashtra showed a steady rise from 2022 to 2024. In 2022, the state had recorded 11,12,97,624 domestic tourist visits (DTVs) and 15,11,623 foreign tourist visits (FTVs). This increased significantly in 2023, with domestic visits rising to 16,13,59,527 and foreign visits to 33,87,739. The upward trend continued in 2024, when Maharashtra saw an estimated 18,93,71,541 domestic tourist visits and 37,05,170 foreign tourist visits, reflecting strong growth in both domestic and international tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has extended financial support to the State of Maharashtra under various central sector schemes — Swadesh Darshan (SD) & Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD), Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development (ACATID) and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) — to complement State efforts in development of tourism infrastructure and promotion of sustainable, community-oriented tourism.

 

Projects sanctioned / supported in Maharashtra (scheme-wise details):

Swadesh Darshan (SD)

• Development of Sindhudurg Coastal Circuit – Sagareshwar, Tarkarli, Vijaydurg (Beach & Creek), Mitbhav (Sanction Year: 2015-16) — ₹19.06 crore. Reported to be physically complete.

 

Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0)

• Shivsrushti Historical Theme Park – Phase 3, Pune (Sanction Year: 2023-24) — ₹76.22 crore.

• Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)

• Development of Ahmednagar Fort (Sanctioned March 2025) — ₹25.00 crore.

• Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)

• Development of Trimbakeshwar, Nashik (Sanction Year: 2017-18) — ₹45.41 crore.

• Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)

• RAM–KAL PATH, Nashik (Sanctioned Nov 2024) — ₹99.14 crore.

• Ex-INS Guldar Underwater Museum, Artificial Reef, and Submarine Tourism, Sindhudurg (Sanctioned Nov 2024) — ₹46.91 crore.

SASCI total sanctioned for Maharashtra: ₹146.05 crore.

 

Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development (ACATID / ACA)

• Development of Kanoji Angre Lighthouse as a tourist destination (09-08-2016) — ₹15.00 crore.

• Up-gradation/modernization to International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock, Mumbai (29-12-2017) — ₹12.50 crore.

• Upgradation/Modernization to International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock, Mumbai Port Trust (20-12-2021) — ₹37.50 crore.

• Nanded Railway Station (31-03-2017) — ₹5.18 crore.

• Aurangabad Railway Station (12-03-2018) — ₹5.71 crore.

Under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes,  the total sanctioned cost reported for projects in the state is ₹64.53 crore. It includes the Sindhudurg Coastal Circuit and Waki–Adasa–Dhapewada–Paradsingha–Telankhandi–Girad Spiritual Circuit projects.

The Ministry of Tourism has not identified or sanctioned Kolhapur as a potential heritage and spiritual tourism circuit under PRASHAD or Swadesh Darshan; no projects have been sanctioned at Mahalaxmi Temple, Rankala Lake or Panhala Fort under the ongoing central schemes as per the information provided.

Development proposals from State Governments/UT Administrations are a continuous process. Projects are examined as per scheme guidelines and sanctioned subject to fulfilment of conditions and availability of funds.

The Ministry reiterates its emphasis on sustainable, community-based tourism development — integrating responsible tourism principles, improving visitor amenities and experiences, enabling local participation and ensuring balanced regional development.

This was stated in a written reply to an unstarred question by the Minister of Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Rajya Sabha today.

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PIB Mumbai | Sriyanka Chatterjee / Robin Singh/Parshuram Kor

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