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UP Budget 2025-26: Govt loosens purse strings for tourism growth

₹400 cr earmarked for CM’s tourism sites’ dev scheme, ₹150 cr for Ayodhya, ₹125 cr for Mathura

Published on: Feb 20, 2025, 22:05:43 IST
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With the aim of fostering development in tourism sector, the Uttar Pradesh government proposed substantial investments in tourism-related infrastructure across key regions of the state in its Budget for 2025-26 on Thursday.

The government has earmarked  ₹150 crore for the development of tourism amenities in Ayodhya region. (For Representation)
The government has earmarked ₹150 crore for the development of tourism amenities in Ayodhya region. (For Representation)

Of the total ₹2,026.06 crore earmarked for the tourism sector, a sum of ₹400 crore has been allocated for the chief minister’s tourism sites’ development scheme. The initiative aims to improve the accessibility and facilities at various tourist destinations, providing a better experience for both domestic and international visitors.

In 2024, Uttar Pradesh witnessed an impressive influx of tourists, with a total of over 65 crore visitors between January and December. This figure also includes around 1.4 million (14 lakh) foreign tourists. Further, to enhance infrastructure in specific religious and cultural sites, the government has earmarked ₹150 crore for the development of tourism amenities in Ayodhya region.

Similarly, Mathura will receive ₹125 crore ensuring that it remains an attractive destination for devotees and tourists alike. Naimisharanya in Sitapur district will see an investment of ₹100 crore while ₹13 crore has been earmarked for Ayodhya Deepotsav.

These amenities will provide essential services such as rest areas, food stalls, and other facilities to ensure that travellers have a comfortable journey, further encouraging tourism in the state.

₹50 crore has been allocated for Chitrakoot region to develop tourism infrastructure. This will include improvement in transportation, hospitality services and other essential amenities to cater to the increasing number of visitors.

Aligarh Food and Craft Institute would also be set up with a budget of ₹2.9 crore. Similarly, ₹5.60 crore has been earmarked for the Buddhist Conclave in Varanasi while ₹4 crore has been allocated for the Ramayan Conclave.

Service providers will be imparted training with a sum of ₹1 crore. A sum of ₹55 lakh has been proposed for Maghar Mahotsav, ₹45 lakh for Wajid Ali Shah Mahotsav while the Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board will get ₹2.55 crore.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anupam Srivastava

Anupam Srivastava is a Special Correspondent with Hindustan Times, Lucknow, with over 26 years of experience in journalism. A widely travelled reporter, he is known for producing impactful exclusives, investigative reports, and in-depth analyses across environment, science, healthcare, women's issues, human-interest stories, civil aviation, surface and inland water transport, agriculture, urban and rural development, governance, public policy, politics, culture, music, and literature. Recognised for his meticulous research and evidence-based reporting, he has consistently highlighted issues that directly affect the lives of ordinary citizens, exposing governance gaps, policy failures, and environmental concerns while amplifying the voices of underserved communities. His reporting has influenced public discourse and contributed to administrative action and policy interventions, including the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to accord river status to the Kukrail instead of a drain after his reportage brought the issue into focus. His commitment to public-interest journalism has earned him prestigious awards for excellence in reporting on environment, science, literature, and culture. Combining investigative journalism, data-driven analysis, and compelling storytelling, Anupam Srivastava continues to produce journalism that informs, influences, and promotes accountability, firmly upholding the values of an independent and responsible press.

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