To strengthen tourism infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has agreed in principle to provide a sum of Rs. 1311.20 crore under Phase-1 of the proposed infrastructure development investment programme, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Tuesday. 

The State Government has been laying special emphasis on making Himachal the best tourist destination in India by developing unexplored tourist places in a phased manner. The Chief Minister said that this would help in the sustainable development of the tourism sector, which has been one of the priorities of its flagship schemes.

The project's components to be covered under the first phase are beautification of Palampur, convention centre at Dharamshala, thematic cum green Park at Pragpur, wellness centre at Dharamshala, Shimla, Nadaun and Kullu-Manali, high-end fountain tourist facility at Dharamshala etc.  

 Besides, wayside amenities at Mandi-Kullu National Highway, Nadaun and Kaleshwar Mahadev Kangra, rafting cum water park complex at Nadaun, Water sports equipment as shikaras, houseboats, jetties, water biking at Pong Dam, at Tattapani, Nadaun and  Bangana etc would be developed.  Apart from this, to develop the religious places, wayside amenities and facilities at Baba Balak Nath, development and beautification of Shiv Dham at Mandi, etc.

The total cost of the project is Rs. 2357 crore, stated a spokesperson of the Tourism department.

Sukhu said that adventure, religious, rural, health, religious and weekend tourism would be promoted in a big way in the coming days.