AI SummaryPilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) is a Central Sector scheme by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, that identifies and develops pilgrimage sites across the country to improve the religious tourism experience for all visitors through sustainable infrastructure and service enhancement.
Ministry of Tourism keeps PRASHAD as a live national mission for integrated development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations. In 2025, several projects for the redevelopment of temple corridors and pilgrimage sites were approved and sanctioned under the scheme, along with Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and the Challenge-Based Destination Development scheme. These projects are aimed at improving facilities for devotees, easing crowd pressure, protecting heritage structures, and strengthening local economies that depend on religious tourism.
Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)
Launched in 2014-2015, PRASHAD works as a key Central Sector scheme under the Ministry of Tourism. This scheme focuses on identifying and developing various pilgrimage sites across India to enrich the overall religious tourism experience. By integrating these destinations in a planned, prioritised, and sustainable manner, this scheme helps create a complete pilgrimage ecosystem. It aims to boost the development and national promotion of religious tourism across India.
Under the scheme, the Ministry of Tourism provides financial support to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for building tourism infrastructure at important pilgrimage and heritage destinations. The vision is to make the pilgrimage and spiritual experience better for tourists through well-planned infrastructure that improves convenience, accessibility, security, cleanliness, and overall experience, while also creating jobs for local communities.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) |
| Level | Central |
| Launched By | Ministry of Tourism |
| Scheme For | Infrastructure |
| Beneficiary States | All States and Union Territories |
| Category | Transport and Infrastructure, Travel and Tourism |
| Target Beneficiaries | Government Organisation, State Government |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Tourism |
| Tags | Pilgrimage, Rejuvenation, Heritage, Infrastructure, Tourism |
Benefits
This scheme offers widespread advantages to local communities, stakeholders, and travelers. By focusing on site-specific needs, it transforms religious spots into modern hubs. Some of the main benefits are given below.
Improved Infrastructure
Locals and visitors experience better connectivity through improved roads, transportation, sanitation, and essential utilities. This makes traveling to spiritual sites much more comfortable for everyone.
Employment Opportunities
Development activities generate local jobs. For instance, someone like Rahul in a heritage town might find new opportunities in hospitality, tour guiding, or retail, helping him support his family.
Income Generation
Local businesses flourish as tourist footfall increases. Small business owners, artisans selling handicrafts, and families running homestays see a direct rise in their daily income.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage
This scheme protects historical landmarks, ensuring that the cultural identity of the region remains intact for future generations to learn from and appreciate.
Promotion of Local Culture and Traditions
By organizing cultural festivals and exhibitions, the scheme highlights local art and traditions, boosting community pride.
Increased Tourism Revenues
As tourism grows, the local economy benefits from a multiplier effect, stimulating growth in food, beverage, and transport sectors.
Skill Development and Capacity Building
Through programs like 'Hunar Se Rozgar Tak', residents gain valuable skills in the hospitality industry, helping them stay competitive in the growing tourism market. The Ministry of Tourism also runs the Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) scheme, which offers education, training, and certification to tourism and hospitality service providers across the country, including at destinations covered under PRASHAD.
Eligibility
There are no specific individual eligibility requirements for the general public, as this is a government-led infrastructure development scheme. State Governments and Union Territory Administrations prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for identified projects in consultation with local bodies, shrine authorities, religious trusts, NGOs, and other stakeholders. This is done to make sure the spiritual character of the sites is preserved while amenities are improved.
Application Process
You do not need to apply for this scheme as an individual. It is an infrastructure development program where state governments and relevant agencies coordinate with the central government for project implementation. The respective State Government or UT Administration formulates a comprehensive Detailed Project Report for each identified project and submits it to the Ministry of Tourism for approval and sanction of funds.
Projects sanctioned in 2025 cover a wide geographic spread, from the North East to South India, North India, and the Himalayan belt. Some of the destinations include Buddhist heritage sites at Nagarjuna Sagar and Bodh Gaya, Maa Chintpurni Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh, Ramrekha Dham in Jharkhand, Pitambara Peeth in Datia, the transformation of Rameswaram, and eight Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu. Funds are released in phases based on project timelines and implementation milestones, and their use is monitored regularly by the Ministry in coordination with state authorities.
Documents
Since there is no individual application process, you do not need to submit any personal documents for this scheme. The required documents and project details are handled by the state governments and implementing agencies as part of the Detailed Project Report.
References
FAQ's
What role do tourism information or interpretation centres play in PRASHAD?
These centres act as central hubs, providing ATMs, money exchange services, and vital information about the pilgrimage sites to help tourists navigate their journey easily.
How does PRASHAD encourage convergence between government and private sectors?
This scheme synchronizes efforts between state and central government projects while inviting private sector involvement to maximize resources for better infrastructure development.
How does PRASHAD ensure the responsible use of funds and resources?
The scheme has clear guidelines defining permitted and non-permitted project components, ensuring that every rupee spent aligns strictly with the project objectives.
Are there any project components not permitted under PRASHAD?
Yes, the scheme does not permit funds for resettlement packages, operation and maintenance of assets, personal investments in private properties, or land acquisition.
What types of infrastructure development projects are supported by PRASHAD?
It supports the construction of first aid centers, toilets, waiting areas, passenger terminals, queue management complexes, and improvements to roads, water supply, and drainage systems.
How does PRASHAD promote capacity development and knowledge management?
It enhances local hospitality skills through professional training programs like 'Hunar Se Rozgar Tak', empowering locals to participate meaningfully in the tourism economy.
What is the purpose of the online presence component under PRASHAD?
This component utilizes GIS portals and mobile applications to help tourists access real-time information, thereby improving the overall digital experience at pilgrimage sites.
What are the eligible project components under PRASHAD?
Eligible works include digital infrastructure, capacity-building workshops, passenger-friendly facilities, and the conservation of historical structures.
What are the objectives of PRASHAD regarding safety and security?
The scheme focuses on upgrading security measures and providing better quality services so that tourists can have a safe and stress-free pilgrimage. CCTV cameras and improved lighting are being installed at several sites to enhance security and crowd monitoring.
How does PRASHAD enhance tourism attractiveness?
It transforms pilgrimage spots into world-class destinations through planned, sustainable heritage development, which in turn boosts local livelihoods.
How does accreditation of heritage destinations influence city selection?
Accreditation from bodies like UNESCO or ASI is a key indicator of historical value, giving those sites priority during the selection process.
Why is tourist footfall a crucial criterion for selecting sites?
High tourist footfall is a strong sign that the location has high popularity and demand, which justifies prioritizing it for infrastructure upgrades.
How are heritage cities selected for development under PRASHAD?
Selection is based on a mix of high tourist numbers, the presence of historical monuments, and the urgent need for infrastructure development.
What is the significance of parity for pan India development?
The scheme aims for balanced growth by ensuring that states not previously covered by the scheme receive priority, guaranteeing equitable development across the country.
How is the credibility of implementation evaluated?
Government agencies evaluate implementation based on the status of Utilization Certificates (UCs). States with minimal pending paperwork records generally receive priority for new projects.