Uttar Pradesh Plans to Attract 80 Crore Tourists by 2028: Transport and Tourism Boosted

New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh is poised to transform into a major tourist hub with its ambitious goal of attracting 80 crore visitors by 2028. The state, renowned for its rich cultural and historical landmarks such as the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, is undertaking extensive measures to enhance its tourism infrastructure and local transportation.

The state government’s efforts include the revitalization of key tourist sites and significant upgrades to transportation networks. These initiatives have already borne fruit, evidenced by a substantial increase in visitor numbers, with over 48 crore travelers recorded in 2023. The new target is to escalate this figure to 80 crore by 2028, alongside boosting the tourism sector’s Gross Value Added (GVA) from ₹11,000 crore in 2017 to ₹70,000 crore.

To achieve these objectives, Uttar Pradesh is rolling out 12 new tourism circuits. This project involves comprehensive site surveys and gap analyses to identify and address areas needing enhancement. By focusing on Uttar Pradesh’s major religious sites—such as Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, and Prayagraj—the state aims to enrich visitor experiences and capitalize on its strong spiritual tourism appeal.

Post-COVID-19, the state has seen a notable rise in tourist numbers, with footfall increasing from 23 crore in 2016-17 to 48 crore in 2023-24, a 51% surge. In response to this growth, the government plans to expand accommodation options, improve branding, and provide world-class facilities. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s strategy not only targets tourism growth but also seeks to stimulate broader industrial development, marking a significant step in Uttar Pradesh’s economic and cultural evolution.