India reveals a Rs 3,600 crore plan to transform Lakshadweep into a top-tier tourist destination with a focus on port-led development. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman allocates Budget 2024 funds via the Sagarmala scheme, emphasizing local entrepreneurship in tourism. PM Modi’s visit highlights Lakshadweep’s tourism potential, but controversy in the Maldives affects tourism choices. The ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ in November 2023, addressing tribal welfare, concludes on January 25, 2024, marking a significant development (Lakshadweep tourism).
The Indian government has unveiled a comprehensive Rs 3,600 crore plan to upgrade Lakshadweep islands, aiming to transform them into a premier tourist destination, according to an official speaking to the Economic Times.
The ambitious initiative includes developing port facilities, peripheral roads, beachfront amenities, and other critical infrastructure projects (Lakshadweep tourism). Key aspects of the plan involve enhancing port facilities at Androth, Kalpeni, and Kadamat islands, as well as constructing beachfront and peripheral roads at strategic locations like Kadamat Island (East), Agatti Island (East), and Kavaratti Island.
These efforts form part of a broader strategy to improve connectivity and tourism infrastructure across the 36 Lakshadweep islands, spanning a total of 32 square kilometers and located 220-440 km off the Kerala coast in the Arabian Sea (Lakshadweep tourism).
Tourism projects in Budget 2024 will be funded through the Sagarmala scheme, emphasizing port-led development.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the importance of investing in port connectivity and Lakshadweep tourism infrastructure, especially on islands like Lakshadweep, to meet the growing demand for domestic tourism. In her budget speech, she addressed the aspirations of the Indian middle class for travel and exploration, stressing the need to promote local entrepreneurship in tourism, including spiritual tourism.
The government plans to provide long-term interest-free loans to states on a matching basis to support tourism infrastructure development, aiming to create employment and foster economic growth in response to the increasing demand for domestic tourism.
The reference to Lakshadweep in the budget speech gained importance, particularly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the islandon January 4. During his trip, PM Modi underscored Lakshadweep’s tourism potential and its allure for adventure enthusiasts, sharing his personal experiences, including activities like snorkeling.
Nevertheless, the island gained attention along with controversy when derogatory remarks were directed at Prime Minister Modi by a minister and other leaders in the Maldives. This came after he shared a video of his visit to a pristine beach in Lakshadweep. Consequently, numerous Indians and tour operators canceled their plans to visit the Maldives, causing a shift in tourism preferences.
In November 2023, the government initiated the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ to implement tribal welfare measures in Lakshadweep. This comprehensive effort, aimed at achieving the saturation of welfare schemes, involved deploying an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) van to enhance outreach efforts (Lakshadweep tourism).
The program concluded on January 25, 2024, representing a significant stride toward development in Lakshadweep.
