The ambitious Top 50 Tourism Destinations Development Scheme, which was proposed by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the 2025–2026 Union Budget, has not yet been chosen by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The initiative intends to establish 50 famous places across the country in conjunction with state governments through the Challenge Mode.
As per the idea, states are obliged to contribute land for destination development, while the Centre will offer incentives such as harmonized infrastructure finance for hotels and tourism facilities in the nominated locations.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, acknowledged that no destination has been decided yet. “As of now, no destination is selected under this initiative,” he stated. However, the Ministry has created draft frameworks for destination development and destination management and has held consultations with key stakeholders, including state governments and Union Territory administrations.
Responding to a related query, the Minister also offered updates on two major projects Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) scheme.
Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, the Centre has sanctioned 53 projects worth INR 2,208 crore across 27 states, while under CBDD, 36 projects worth INR 648.11 crore have been authorized.
Despite the approvals, the usage of funds by states and UTs remains remarkably low. Utilization under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 is only INR 187.32 crore, or less than 10% of the approved budget, according to data provided in Parliament. Similarly, the CBDD plan has experienced use of only INR 64.81 crore out of the approved INR 648.11 crore.
The data reveal a large gap between project approvals and on-ground implementation, underlining the need for speedier execution and improved coordination between the Centre and states to expedite tourism infrastructure development in India.
