The Centre has sanctioned more than Rs 84 crore for tourism development in three key areas of Himachal Pradesh — Chintpurni, Kaza, and Rakcham. The move aims to boost infrastructure in both religious and strategically important locations across the state.
Rs 56.26 Crore for Maa Chintpurni Devi Temple Development
The largest share of the sanctioned funds goes to the Maa Chintpurni Devi Temple in Una district. According to The Tribune, Rs 56.26 crore has been sanctioned specifically for the development of this revered temple. The funding is expected to improve facilities for the thousands of pilgrims who visit the shrine each year.
Rs 24.82 Crore for Strategic Border Tourism in Kaza and Rakcham
The remaining Rs 24.82 crore has been allocated for expanding tourism infrastructure in Kaza and Rakcham — two remote locations with significant geostrategic value. Rakcham sits in the Sangla Valley of Kinnaur, close to the Indo-Tibet Line of Actual Control (LAC) near Pulam Sumda. Kaza, on the other hand, is the largest administrative centre in the remote Spiti Valley.
These areas are not just tourist destinations; their proximity to the border makes them important for national security. Developing tourism infrastructure here could also support local economies in these far-flung regions.
Rs 68.34 Crore for Himalayan Circuit Development
Beyond the three specific locations, the Centre has also set aside Rs 68.34 crore for the development of the Himalayan Circuit. This circuit includes popular destinations such as Kiarighat, Shimla, Hatkoti, Manali, Kangra, Dharamsala, Bir, and Palampur, as reported by The Tribune. This broader investment aims to create a connected tourism network across the state.
"Rakchham, located remotely in Sangla Valley of Kinnaur, has geostrategic importance. It is close to the Indo-Tibet Line of Actual Control (LAC) near Pulam Sumda." — The Tribune
What This Means for Himachal's Tourism Sector
This sanction is a clear signal that the Centre is prioritising tourism development in Himachal Pradesh, especially in areas that have been overlooked due to their remote locations. The focus on Chintpurni addresses the needs of religious tourism, while the investment in Kaza and Rakcham opens up new possibilities for adventure and border tourism.
For local communities in Spiti Valley and Kinnaur, this could mean better roads, improved accommodation options, and more employment opportunities. The strategic importance of these areas also suggests that tourism development here goes hand-in-hand with strengthening border infrastructure.
Our Take: A Balanced Push for Religious and Border Tourism
In our view, this funding decision shows a thoughtful approach to tourism planning. The Centre is not just putting money into popular destinations — it is also investing in remote areas that need economic support the most. The allocation for Chintpurni will help manage the growing number of pilgrims, while the funds for Kaza and Rakcham could turn these border towns into sustainable tourism hubs.
To put it plainly, this is a smart investment. It boosts religious tourism where demand already exists, and it creates new opportunities in areas that have strategic importance. The real test will be in execution — whether the funds are used efficiently and whether the infrastructure actually reaches the people who need it. If done right, this could set a strong example for tourism development in other border states.