Rs 146.5 crore sanctioned for Telangana tourism under PRASHAD
Union tourism minister told Rajya Sabha four PRASHAD projects worth Rs 146.5 crore were approved for Telangana, with work done at Alampur and ongoing at Ramappa and Bhadrachalam
Hyderabad saw positive news for tourism on Thursday, February 5. The Union government said it has approved four tourism projects worth Rs 146.50 crore for Telangana under the PRASHAD scheme.
The update was shared in the Rajya Sabha. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat gave the details while replying to a question by Congress MP Anil Kumar Yadav. He said the projects were cleared by the Ministry of Tourism to improve pilgrimage and heritage tourism in the state.
The scheme focuses on improving facilities at important religious and heritage places. The aim is to make visits easier and safer for pilgrims and tourists.
The minister said work at the Jogulamba Devi Temple in Alampur has already been completed. The project cost Rs 33.07 crore. Alampur is one of Telangana’s most important temple towns and attracts devotees from across the country.
He added that the development work included better roads, lighting, and visitor facilities. These upgrades are meant to improve the overall experience for devotees visiting the temple.
Another major project is at the Ramappa Temple in Mulugu district. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its historic value and unique stone carvings. The minister said work here is still in progress.
For the Ramappa Temple project, Rs 62 crore has been sanctioned. So far, Rs 32.73 crore has been released. The work includes improving access roads, walkways, and other tourist facilities around the temple complex.
Development work is also going on at Bhadrachalam in Bhadradri Kothagudem district. Bhadrachalam is a well known pilgrimage centre, especially for devotees of Lord Rama. The temple town sees heavy footfall during festivals.
The minister said the Bhadrachalam project has a total outlay of Rs 41.38 crore. Out of this amount, Rs 8.43 crore has been released so far. The project aims to improve basic infrastructure and visitor services in the area.
However, not all projects have moved at the same pace. Shekhawat said that although Rs 4.22 crore was sanctioned for developing basic amenities at the Sri Renuka Yellamma Temple, no funds have been released yet.
The reasons for the delay were not explained in detail. The minister only confirmed that the sanction was in place, but the release of funds is still pending.
The Sri Renuka Yellamma Temple is also an important religious site. Devotees have long demanded better facilities at the temple, especially during peak seasons.
Shekhawat said the PRASHAD scheme is meant to improve the spiritual experience of pilgrims. It looks at the full picture, including roads, sanitation, lighting, and crowd management.
He said the goal is not just beautification. The focus is on safety, comfort, and smooth movement for visitors. The scheme also helps local economies by boosting tourism and creating jobs.
The minister added that states are expected to work closely with the Centre for timely execution of projects. Regular reviews are done to track progress and fund use.
The announcement has drawn attention in Telangana, especially among temple towns included in the scheme. Local leaders and residents hope the remaining work will be completed soon.
With tourism playing a key role in the state’s economy, officials believe these projects will help attract more visitors. Improved facilities could also encourage longer stays.
For now, the government says the sanctioned projects reflect its commitment to preserving heritage and supporting pilgrimage tourism in Telangana.