The Rajasthan State Budget for 2025-26, presented by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Diya Kumari, who is holding the Tourism portfolio, significantly emphasises tourism, infrastructure development, and green initiatives. The budget strategically integrates tourism growth with employment generation and sustainable development, ensuring Rajasthan remains a premier destination for domestic and international travellers.
This budget follows the path set by the Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, which highlighted the development of 50 iconic destinations across India with state government collaboration. Rajasthan aligns with these national objectives while tapping into centrally assisted schemes to enhance tourism and economic development. Additionally, the budget acknowledges India’s growing potential as a global hub for toy manufacturing, supporting initiatives that foster industrial growth.
Tourism Development: Strengthening Rajasthan’s Global Appeal
Recognizing tourism as a key economic driver, the state government has allocated Rs 975 crore for tourism infrastructure.
The key initiatives include the Development of 10 iconic tourist destinations under the Heritage Tourism initiative to enhance Rajasthan’s cultural and historical appeal. IIFA Awards 2025 is to be hosted in Jaipur on March 8-9, positioning the city as a global entertainment hub.
Tribal Tourism Circuit is to be developed with an investment of Rs 100 crore, promoting cultural inclusivity and attracting niche travellers.
Shekhawati Haveli Conservation Scheme and Heritage Walks to restore historical artistic havelis, preserving Rajasthan’s architectural legacy. Upgradation of Jaipur Albert Hall Museum with a provision of Rs 25 crore to enhance its global appeal. Night Tourism Promotion with Rs 100 crore allocated for experiential travel opportunities in key tourist hotspots.
Development of War Museum in Jaisalmer, adding historical tourism depth to the region, Aero City near Kota Airport, facilitating aviation-linked tourism and business travel, and Infrastructure development at 29 airstrips to enhance regional connectivity.
Establishment of Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) in Pratapgarh, Jhalawar, and Jhunjhunu to boost aviation and pilot training facilities. Introduction of Hop-on Hop-off bus services in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, making intra-city travel seamless for tourists.
Infrastructure Development: The Indirect Catalyst for Tourism Growth
Infrastructure investments play a crucial role in enhancing tourism experiences. The Rajasthan government has announced large-scale projects that indirectly support the tourism sector:
State highways, bypass roads, flyovers, and ROBs/RUBs worth over Rs 5,000 crore, improving accessibility to major tourist destinations. Rs 60,000 crore was allocated for nine Greenfield Expressways, strengthening road connectivity across the state.
21,000 km of non-patchable roads to be improved with an investment of Rs 6,000 crore, ensuring smoother travel experiences for visitors. Expansion of Jaipur Metro with an allocation of Rs 12,000 crore, improving urban transport accessibility for tourists and residents alike.
500 new roadway buses under the GCC model and 500 urban transport buses, facilitating seamless travel between major tourist hubs. Strengthening of the Delhi-Jaipur, Jaipur-Agra, and Jaipur-Kota highways with the creation of Zero Accident Zones, making road travel safer.
Rs 50 crore for upgrading 20 Trauma Centres under PPP mode, enhancing medical emergency services for citizens and travellers. Establishment of Advanced Life Support Ambulances to improve medical accessibility for citizens and tourists in remote areas.
Green and Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
With Rajasthan embracing a Green Budget theme, sustainability and eco-tourism have taken centre stage. Some of the key provisions include the Climate Change Adaptation Centre of Excellence at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore, 10 crore trees to be planted, enhancing Rajasthan’s ecological balance and promoting nature-based tourism. Incentives for natural farming with subsidies for 2.5 lakh farmers, ensuring sustainable food sources for hospitality and tourism. Renewable energy projects support hotels and resorts in reducing their carbon footprint.
Employment Generation & Tourism’s Economic Impact
With 1.25 lakh new job opportunities planned across various state departments, the tourism and hospitality sectors are expected to benefit significantly from this employment boost. Additionally, initiatives such as The Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy, promote investment in the service sector, including tourism, the Establishment of industrial parks (Toy Park in Kota, Stone Parks in Nimbahera and Bundi, Ceramic Park in Soniyana, Pharma Park in Sanganer) that will create business tourism opportunities.
A Transformative Budget for Rajasthan’s Tourism Future
The Rajasthan Budget 2025-26 is a game-changer for the state’s tourism sector, reinforcing its commitment to infrastructure, heritage conservation, green initiatives, and employment generation. With strategic investments in roads, air connectivity, and cultural projects, Rajasthan is set to elevate its status as one of India’s most attractive and sustainable tourism destinations. This comprehensive approach will not only boost direct tourism revenue but also create long-term economic benefits through improved connectivity, employment, and business expansion.
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Rajeev Kohli, JMD, Creative Travels @ Kerala Travel Mart 2024
