Guiding Lights: Revitalizing India's Historic Lighthouses for Tourism

The second National Lighthouse Festival highlights India's lighthouse tourism, offering job opportunities and promoting maritime heritage. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways focuses on preserving 75 lighthouses, blending tourism with heritage conservation, and investing Rs 60 crore across nine coastal states to foster local economies.

The second National Lighthouse Festival recently kicked off, spotlighting the untapped potential of India's lighthouse tourism. Organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, the festival seeks to marry tourism development with the preservation of maritime heritage.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the sector's role in creating employment while educating future generations about India's rich maritime history. Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur echoed this, highlighting lighthouse tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and cultural preservation.

The Ministry is spearheading a project to rejuvenate these historic beacons. With a Rs 60 crore investment, 75 iconic lighthouses have been transformed across nine coastal states, featuring modern amenities like museums and parks, providing both recreational and educational opportunities.

(With inputs from agencies.)