Government plans Rs 500-crore outlay to develop five tourist circuits

NEW DELHI: Government plans to develop five tourist circuits with an investment of Rs 500 crore in current fiscal, Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Tourism Minister Shripad Naik said during Question Hour that these circuits will be developed around specific themes.

He said the government also proposed to spend Rs 100 crore to beautify and improve amenities and infrastructure at pilgrimage centres of all faiths.

"...a National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) has been announced and an amount of Rs 100 crore has been proposed in this year's Budget," he said.

In response to another question, Naik said there was no proposal before the government to revise the National Tourism Policy, 2002, which was formulated after consulting industry associations, ministries concerned at the Centre, state governments and other stakeholders.

To a question whether the government would impress upon the Railways to plan a mechanism so that tourists may get quick and instant reservation, Naik answered in the negative.

"...at present, there is no such proposal with the Ministry of Railways for tourists to get quick and instant reservation," he said.