New Delhi, 11 June (H.S.):

As part of its efforts to make India safer, more accessible, and more welcoming for travellers, the government has undertaken several major initiatives to strengthen the country’s tourism ecosystem. Under the “12 Years of Tourism Transformation” initiative, a robust framework is being developed to ensure that both domestic and international tourists can travel across the country with confidence and peace of mind.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the government has implemented several on-ground measures to provide a safe and visitor-friendly travel experience, including a 24-hour multilingual tourist helpline and the deployment of dedicated Tourist Police units at major tourist destinations across the country.

To assist travellers in emergency situations, address grievances, or provide immediate information during their journeys, the government has launched a dedicated toll-free tourist helpline number, 1363. The helpline operates round the clock and is available in 12 different languages, ensuring that both foreign and domestic tourists can access assistance without facing language-related barriers.

In addition, specialised Tourist Police units have been deployed in key tourism states to provide prompt assistance and enhanced security at the ground level. The arrangement is currently fully operational in 15 major states and Union Territories, including Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir.

The primary objective of these dedicated police units is to prevent fraud and exploitation at tourist destinations, guide visitors, and take swift action in cases involving harassment, misconduct, or any form of inconvenience faced by tourists.

According to the Ministry, through this modern and comprehensive support system, the Central Government aims to reassure every traveller that wherever their journey takes them, assistance and protection will always be within reach.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar