The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has developed tourism facilities at 75 lighthouses as part of efforts to promote lighthouse tourism, coastal tourism and maritime heritage. The project was undertaken to showcase the historical and cultural significance of India’s lighthouses while creating new attractions along the coastline.
The facilities developed at selected sites include museums, amphitheatres, open-air theatres, cafeterias, children’s play areas, gazebos, landscaped spaces and lifts, making the lighthouses more accessible and visitor-friendly.
The initiative has already generated significant visitor interest. According to the Ministry’s annual report, lighthouse footfall increased from 4.34 lakh in 2013-14 to 16.19 lakh in 2023-24, reflecting growing interest in these coastal heritage sites.
The government invested around ₹60 crore in developing tourism facilities across the 75 lighthouses. The initiative has also contributed to local economic activity, with the government reporting the creation of 150 direct and 500 indirect employment opportunities in sectors including hotels, restaurants, tour operations, transportation and local handicrafts.
The Mahabalipuram Lighthouse in Tamil Nadu is being developed under a public-private partnership model for tourism.
The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to promote maritime and coastal tourism, while preserving India’s lighthouse heritage. The Ministry has indicated that lighthouse tourism could be expanded further, with 205 additional lighthouses identified for future tourism development under Maritime India Vision 2030.