Centre Allocates ₹155 Crore to Boost Tourism in Nashik and Sindhudurg; Major Focus on ‘Ram-Kal Path’ and Underwater Museum

In a significant push to enhance tourism infrastructure, the Union Ministry of Culture and Tourism has allocated over ₹155 crore for projects in Maharashtra’s Nashik and Sindhudurg districts. Announcing the development via X (formerly Twitter), Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, revealed that ₹99.1 crore has been earmarked for the development of the ‘Ram-Kal Path’ in Nashik, while ₹46.9 crore will be directed towards establishing an underwater museum and artificial reef in Sindhudurg, utilizing the decommissioned Indian Navy vessel, INS Guldar.

Both projects will be implemented under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, which aims to promote iconic tourism destinations and bolster regional economies.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, also sharing the announcement on X, highlighted the transformative impact of these initiatives. He emphasized their potential to elevate tourism infrastructure to global standards, create employment opportunities, and invigorate local economies.

In Nashik, the ‘Ram-Kal Path’ project will involve comprehensive development of a historically and spiritually significant stretch—from Ramkund on the banks of the Godavari River to the Kalaram Temple and Sitagumpha in the Panchavati area. The Kalaram Temple, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed rituals during a recent visit, will be a key part of this development.

Meanwhile, off the Sindhudurg coast, the Indian Navy’s retired ship INS Guldar will be submerged to create an underwater museum and artificial reef, marking a unique addition to India’s emerging submarine tourism experiences.

According to Sandesh Shinde, Executive Engineer (PWD), the Ram-Kal Path project has been conceptualized and designed by the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) and was selected by the Centre from tourism proposals submitted by various states.