PRASHAD Scheme: Strengthening Spiritual Infrastructure
Launched as a Central Sector Scheme, PRASHAD seeks to rejuvenate pilgrimage and heritage sites by creating world-class facilities while preserving their cultural and spiritual significance. The scheme supports infrastructure such as roads, sanitation, lighting, interpretation centres, pilgrim amenities, and last-mile connectivity.
By focusing on integrated planning and execution, PRASHAD aims to enhance the overall pilgrim experience, encourage longer stays, and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. Telangana, home to several ancient temples and sacred sites, has emerged as a key beneficiary of this initiative.
Details of PRASHAD Projects in Telangana
Among the four sanctioned projects, the development of Jogulamba Devi Temple at Alampur stands out as a completed initiative. Approved in 2020–21 with a sanctioned amount of ₹38.90 crore, the project has already seen ₹33.07 crore released and has been physically completed, significantly upgrading pilgrim facilities at the revered Shakti Peetha.
Another major project is the development of pilgrimage and heritage tourism infrastructure at the Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple in Mulugu district. Sanctioned in 2022–23 with an allocation of ₹62 crore, this project focuses on improving amenities around the UNESCO World Heritage Site. An amount of ₹32.73 crore has been released so far, and work is currently underway.
The third project involves the development of pilgrimage infrastructure at Bhadrachalam in Bhadradri Kothagudem district. With a sanctioned cost of ₹41.38 crore, this project aims to enhance facilities for lakhs of devotees who visit the Sri Rama temple annually. ₹8.43 crore has been released, and the project is progressing.
The fourth project, sanctioned in 2024–25, focuses on developing basic amenities at the Goddess Renuka Yellamma Devasthanam. Though the sanctioned amount is relatively modest at ₹4.22 crore, the project is expected to significantly improve pilgrim comfort once implemented. No funds have been released yet, and work remains ongoing.
Boost to Tourism and Local Economy
The PRASHAD projects are expected to deliver a major boost to religious tourism in Telangana by improving accessibility, safety, cleanliness, and overall visitor satisfaction. Enhanced infrastructure is likely to increase footfall, extend tourist stays, and create employment opportunities in hospitality, transport, and local crafts.
Officials believe that sustained investment in pilgrimage tourism will also contribute to balanced regional development, particularly in districts with high religious significance but limited infrastructure. The projects align with the Centre’s broader vision of promoting India as a global spiritual tourism hub.
Government’s Commitment to Heritage Conservation
The Ministry of Tourism has reiterated its commitment to preserving India’s cultural and spiritual heritage through targeted infrastructure interventions. By combining conservation with modern amenities, the PRASHAD scheme ensures that heritage sites remain both accessible and sustainable for future generations.
The sanctioned projects in Telangana reflect a continued partnership between the Centre and the state to unlock the tourism potential of sacred destinations while maintaining their historical integrity.
