Bhubaneswar, July 21: The Union Tourism Ministry has provided Rs 199.89 crore financial assistance to Odisha to promote tourism through infrastructure development, digital promotion and expansion of basic amenities, the Ministry said on Tuesday.

In the last two years, the Ministry has sanctioned 117 projects worth Rs 5756.62 crores, under the different schemes across the country, including Rs 199.89 crore for Odisha.

According to the Ministry, Rs 99.90 crore has been sanctioned for development of Hirakud and Rs 99.99 crore for development of Satkosia under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment Scheme (SASCI) in financial year 2024-25.

“The Ministry of Tourism has undertaken several initiatives during the last two years to promote tourism through infrastructure development, digital promotion and expansion of basic amenities across the country,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry provides Central Financial Assistance to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations under the schemes of Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development, Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD), Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA JUGA) for development of tourism infrastructure and augmentation of basic amenities, subject to the scheme guidelines and availability of funds.

Further, under the Government of India initiative Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment - Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale, financial assistance was provided to States during 2024-25 for tourism projects.

To improve ease of travel, the Government has liberalised and simplified the visa regime through the e-Visa facility, which is currently available under nine sub-categories for nationals of 174 countries. The Ministry also provides a 24x7 Multi-lingual Tourist Helpline and has also introduced the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification (IITFC) Programme to create a pool of professionally trained tourist facilitators and guides, while existing Regional Level Guides have been integrated into the Incredible India Tourist Guide (IITG) system with pan-India recognition. Further, the Ministry is working with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to improve connectivity to tourist destinations under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), under which 53 tourism routes have been identified, and regularly coordinates with the Ministry of Home Affairs on measures relating to travel in Restricted and Protected Areas to facilitate seamless travel for tourists.