Sonowal Chairs Stakeholders Meeting to Boost Lighthouse Tourism in Vizhinjam

The ministry remains committed to revitalising the lighthouses to pave the way for economic development and the celebration of the cultural heritage of India’s coastline.

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, chaired a Stakeholders Meeting today in Vizhinijam, Kerala, to boost lighthouse tourism. Organised by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), an organisation under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India, the meeting aimed to conceptualise and strategise the unique tourism potential of lighthouses as spots of historical, cultural, and scenic confluence.

“More than 500,000 tourists visited the lighthouses between April and June 2024, validating the vision of transforming these iconic maritime structures into vibrant tourist hotspots as envisioned by PM Narendra Modi ji,” stated Shri Sonowal. He announced that new facilities, including a Sound and Light show in Vizhinijam, will be developed with a focus on convenience for the elderly and specially-abled individuals.

Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary approach, the meeting underscored the government’s commitment to promoting lighthouse tourism and revitalising these iconic structures as vibrant tourist destinations. Shri Sonowal emphasised the potential economic benefits for local communities through increased tourism and the importance of fostering collaboration among government bodies, tourism agencies, local communities, and private sector stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Shri Sonowal said, “India, with its diverse geography, offers tremendous opportunities to showcase our dynamic mix of culture, social ethos, and history. Lighthouses, besides acting as marine guidance tools, are also beacons of rich historical accounts with the potential to transform into centres of tourism. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the union government has decided to celebrate the lighthouses as symbols of rich maritime heritage by developing and promoting them as tourist destinations. The ministry remains committed to revitalising the lighthouses to pave the way for economic development and the celebration of the cultural heritage of India’s coastline. The stakeholders meeting aimed to further action to transform the Vizhinijam Lighthouse into a major tourist destination with a unique Light & Sound show.”

The stakeholders meeting focused on strategies to transform lighthouses into tourist facilities. Earlier this year, in February, PM Narendra Modi dedicated 75 lighthouses with tourist facilities in 10 states and UTs. This suggestion was made by PM Modi during the 75th episode of Mann Ki Baat. The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Tourism, Government of Kerala, Adv PA Mohammed Riyas, among other top officials.

To enhance the visitor experience, several tourism facilities have been developed at Vizhinjam Lighthouse, including a children's play area, an acupressure pathway, and a musical fountain. A lift facility has been installed, enabling access for persons with disabilities and senior citizens to enjoy the panoramic view from the top of the lighthouse. Additionally, selfie points with animal statues, a cafeteria for tourists, and a gazebo for relaxation have been added, making Vizhinjam Lighthouse a more attractive and accessible destination for all visitors. Battery-operated cars are also being used for ease of transport, especially for the elderly and specially-abled tourists. With the addition of new facilities, the average monthly footfall of around 15,000 is expected to surge in the coming months.

Under the visionary Maritime India Vision 2030 initiative, the DGLL is actively promoting lighthouse tourism across India. This initiative aims to revitalise existing lighthouse facilities by repurposing them for alternative uses, including the development of heritage and maritime museums. Notable transformations include lighthouses in Chennai, Alleppey, Kannur, Vizhinjam, Thangasseri, Vypin in Kerala, and Chandrabhaga in Odisha. Furthermore, the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 seeks to develop lighthouses as tourist spots, fostering local economies and promoting cultural exchange.