Uttarakhand to develop INR 600 cr Premium Tourism City and Spiritual SEZ
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The strategic initiative aims to strengthen tourism economy and promote spiritual tourism in the state.
The Uttarakhand Government is preparing to develop an Integrated Tourism City at Patwadangar in Nainital and a Spiritual Economic Zone (SEZ) at Bilkedar in Srinagar tehsil. The strategic initiative aims to strengthen tourism economy and promote spiritual tourism.
The projects aim to attract private investment, improve tourism infrastructure, generate employment and position Uttarakhand as a major destination for luxury, wellness and spiritual tourism.
The Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Board (UIIDB) has been assigned for the development of the 80 acres Integrated Tourism City at Patwadanagar. UIIDB has formally initiated the tender process, inviting bids for a project projected to attract INR 600 crore in private capital.
The Patwadangar project is positioned to address the shortage of luxury inventory in the Kumaon region and to attract national and international travellers. Proposed developments include Over 200 luxury units across four-star and five-star categories, integrated convention centres for the MICE segment, specialised wellness resorts and boutique hotel assets
The final project layout will be prepared after the completion of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and approval from the state government.
In a strategic move to commercialise and professionalise the spiritual tourism circuit, the government is developing a dedicated Spiritual Economic Zone (SEZ) at Bilkedar in Srinagar tehsil. This initiative aligns with the new Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Railway Line, leveraging enhanced connectivity to create a year-round wellness destination.
Currently, work is progressing on the master plan and project management consultancy for the ambitious initiative.
The SEZ model is designed to facilitate Private-Public Partnerships (PPP) across several high-growth verticals including yoga, ayurveda and wellness tourism; religious and cultural tourism; Local handicrafts; Agriculture-based businesses; Hospitality services, and Transportation and allied sectors
Located on the Char Dham Yatra route, Bilkedar is expected to become a major destination where pilgrims stay longer, benefiting hotels, local businesses, artisans and service providers.
These projects signal a shift toward sustainable, infrastructure-led tourism development. According to the UIIDB, the investment framework for the Spiritual Economic Zone will be prepared after the completion. Through both projects, the Uttarakhand Government intends to attract significant private investment, create new employment opportunities, strengthen the state’s tourism-based economy, improve premium hospitality infrastructure, promote sustainable mountain and spiritual tourism, and enhance local livelihoods through tourism-led development.
Ajay Mishra, Joint Managing Director of the Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Board (UIIDB), said, “Tenders have already been invited for the Premium Tourism City at Patwadangar, while work on the master plan for the Bilkedar Spiritual Economic Zone is progressing rapidly.”
