Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Faces Slow Progress: Over 84% Projects Still in Early Stages

The Centre’s flagship tourism initiative, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, aimed at developing sustainable and responsible destinations, is witnessing sluggish progress, with more than 84% of its projects still at a nascent stage even three years after launch.

According to a recent review, out of 91 sanctioned projects, a staggering 77 remain below 25% physical completion. Only one project has crossed the 75% mark, while four fall within the 50–75% completion range. Another nine projects have reached 25–30% progress, highlighting the overall slow pace of implementation across the country.

The issue was flagged during a submission by the tourism ministry before a parliamentary standing committee, where officials cited poor coordination between the Centre and states as a primary reason for the delays. The lack of streamlined communication and execution at the ground level has significantly hindered timely project delivery under the ambitious scheme.

To address these concerns, the Ministry of Tourism has introduced a Project Management Information System (PMIS) to closely monitor the progress of projects. States and Union Territories have also been instructed to upload time-stamped photographs documenting different stages of project development. This move is expected to enhance transparency, accountability, and real-time tracking of implementation.

Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, a total of 53 projects have been sanctioned with a funding allocation of ₹2,208.31 crore. In addition, 38 projects worth ₹697.94 crore have been approved under the Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) sub-scheme. These projects span key thematic areas such as spiritual tourism, cultural heritage, eco-tourism, and the development of vibrant villages under the Amrit Dharohar initiative.

Despite the ambitious scope and substantial financial backing, the slow execution raises concerns about the effectiveness of on-ground implementation and inter-governmental coordination. The scheme was envisioned to transform India’s tourism landscape by creating world-class destinations rooted in sustainability and local culture. However, the current pace suggests that significant structural and administrative improvements may be required to meet its intended goals.

As the government pushes for course correction through digital monitoring tools and stricter oversight, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Swadesh Darshan 2.0 can overcome its initial setbacks and deliver on its promise of boosting tourism infrastructure across the country.