Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated various development projects in Varanasi which includes Tourist Facilitation Centre under the project “Development of Varanasi Under PRASHAD Scheme – Phase 2I” and operation of cruise boat from Assi Ghat to Raj Ghat under the project “Development of River Cruise in Varanasi under PRASHAD Scheme”. 

PRASHAD scheme

For tourism infrastructure creation in the country, the ministry of tourism has two major schemes, launched during 2014-15.

They are:

1) Swadesh Darshan: Integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits.

2) PRASHAD: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive for development of tourism infrastructure in the country including historical places and heritage cities.

• Under PRASHAD scheme, 57 sites have been identified at present in 29 states/UTs for development. Since the inception of the scheme, an amount of Rs 1,160.55 crore has been sanctioned for 36 projects in 24 states with the cumulative release of Rs 622.08 crore till January 12, 2021.

• PRASHAD is a central sector scheme fully financed by the government of India.

• The scheme is aimed at infrastructure development such as entry points (road, rail and water transport), last mile connectivity, basic tourism facilities like information/interpretation centers, ATM/money exchange, eco-friendly modes of transport, area lighting and illumination with renewable sources of energy, parking, drinking water, toilets, cloak room, waiting rooms, first aid centers, craft bazars/haats/souvenir shops/cafeteria, rain shelters, telecom facilities, internet connectivity, etc. 

• The project “Development of Varanasi Under PRASHAD Scheme – Phase 2” was approved by the ministry of Tourism with the cost of Rs. 44.69 crore in February 2018. 

• The components ‘Panchkoshi Path’, ‘Pilgrim Facilitation Center’, ‘Rameshwar’, ‘Road Development’ and ‘Signages’ have been successfully completed and dedicated to the nation. 

• The project “Development of River Cruise in Varanasi under PRASHAD Scheme” was approved with the cost of Rs 10.72 crore in February 2018. The components ‘Passenger Cum Cruise Vehicle’, ‘Modular Jetty’, ‘Audio Visual Interventions’, and ‘CCTV Surveillance’ have been successfully completed and dedicated to the nation.

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