Maharashtra’s tourism sector has witnessed a robust and consistent surge in both domestic and international visitor arrivals over the past three years, supported by major central government initiatives aimed at improving tourism infrastructure and enhancing visitor experiences across the state. The latest figures indicate a strong upward trajectory, highlighting Maharashtra’s growing appeal as a preferred destination among travellers.

Steady Growth in Domestic and International Tourism (2022–2024)

Tourism data from Maharashtra reveals a clear and compelling pattern of growth. In 2022, the state recorded 11,12,97,624 domestic tourist visits (DTVs), alongside 15,11,623 foreign tourist visits (FTVs). This marked the beginning of a post-pandemic recovery trend that only strengthened in subsequent years.

By 2023, Maharashtra saw a sharp rise in both segments. Domestic visits climbed to 16,13,59,527, while foreign arrivals increased more than twofold to 33,87,739. The momentum continued into 2024, with estimates suggesting that the state welcomed 18,93,71,541 domestic tourists and 37,05,170 international tourists. This consistent rise reflects not only a renewed interest in Maharashtra’s cultural, natural, and historical offerings but also the impact of focused development efforts.

Central Government Support Strengthens Maharashtra’s Tourism Infrastructure

To further accelerate tourism growth, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has extended substantial financial assistance to Maharashtra under an array of central sector schemes. These include:

• 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)

• Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)

Each scheme aims to complement state-level initiatives, promote sustainable and community-oriented tourism, enhance accessibility, and improve the quality of visitor facilities.

Major Tourism Projects Sanctioned Across Maharashtra

Swadesh Darshan (SD)

Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, the state received approval for the Sindhudurg Coastal Circuit, covering key destinations such as Sagareshwar, Tarkarli, Vijaydurg (Beach & Creek), and Mitbhav.

• Sanction Year: 2015–16

• Cost: ₹19.06 crore

• Status: Reported as physically complete.

Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0)

The upgraded version of the scheme sanctioned:

• Shivsrushti Historical Theme Park – Phase 3, Pune

  • Sanction Year: 2023–24

  • Cost: ₹76.22 crore

Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)

Under the CBDD initiative, Maharashtra received support for:

• Development of Ahmednagar Fort

  • Sanctioned: March 2025

  • Cost: ₹25.00 crore

PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive)

As part of strengthening pilgrimage tourism, the Ministry sanctioned:

• Development of Trimbakeshwar, Nashik

  • Sanction Year: 2017–18

  • Cost: ₹45.41 crore

Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)

Maharashtra has seen significant allocations under SASCI, with the following key projects approved:

• RAM–KAL PATH, Nashik

  • Sanctioned: November 2024

  • Cost: ₹99.14 crore

• Ex-INS Guldar Underwater Museum, Artificial Reef, and Submarine Tourism, Sindhudurg

  • Sanctioned: November 2024

  • Cost: ₹46.91 crore

Overall, the total SASCI-sanctioned amount for Maharashtra stands at ₹146.05 crore.

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

Multiple infrastructure enhancement projects have also been supported under this scheme, including:

• Kanoji Angre Lighthouse Development (as a tourist destination)

  • Sanctioned: 09-08-2016

  • Cost: ₹15.00 crore

• Upgradation/Modernization of International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock, Mumbai

  • Sanctioned: 29-12-2017

  • Cost: ₹12.50 crore

• Further modernization of the International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock, Mumbai Port Trust

  • Sanctioned: 20-12-2021

  • Cost: ₹37.50 crore

• Nanded Railway Station

  • Sanctioned: 31-03-2017

  • Cost: ₹5.18 crore

• Aurangabad Railway Station

  • Sanctioned: 12-03-2018

  • Cost: ₹5.71 crore

Combined Project Values Under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD

The cumulative sanctioned amount under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes for Maharashtra is ₹64.53 crore. This includes not only the Sindhudurg Coastal Circuit but also the Waki–Adasa–Dhapewada–Paradsingha–Telankhandi–Girad Spiritual Circuit.

No Heritage or Spiritual Tourism Projects Sanctioned for Kolhapur Under Central Schemes

As per the Ministry’s information, Kolhapur has not been identified or sanctioned as a heritage or spiritual circuit under the Swadesh Darshan or PRASHAD schemes. Consequently, no projects have been approved for Mahalaxmi Temple, Rankala Lake, or Panhala Fort under ongoing central tourism initiatives.

Tourism Development as a Continuous, Community-Centric Process

The Ministry emphasized that development proposals from State Governments and Union Territories are reviewed regularly. Projects are sanctioned based on scheme guidelines, resource availability, and their alignment with sustainable development principles.

A key focus remains on promoting responsible tourism, improving visitor amenities, strengthening local participation, and ensuring balanced regional growth. The approach aims to nurture tourism that is not only economically significant but also environmentally and socially sustainable.

This comprehensive update was shared by Union Minister of Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha on December 4.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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