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India Launches 24/7 Tourist Helpline, Boosts Safety with Police Units

The Union Ministry of Tourism has informed Parliament of multiple initiatives to enhance tourist safety across India. These include urging states to deploy dedicated tourist police and utilize the Nirbhaya Fund for women's safety. A 24/7 multi-lingual helpline has been established to assist tourists in distress in 12 languages. Furthermore, the ministry is improving online service approvals and working with Civil Aviation to enhance air connectivity to tourist destinations.

Key Points: India Enhances Tourist Safety with 24/7 Helpline & Police

  • 24/7 multi-lingual tourist helpline launched
  • Tourist police units deployed in 15+ states/UTs
  • 'Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism' adopted
  • Online portal NIDHI+ streamlines service approvals
2 min read

Tourism Ministry strengthens safety measures, launches 24x7 multi-lingual helpline

Tourism Ministry launches 24/7 multi-lingual helpline, promotes tourist police units, and adopts a safety code to protect domestic and international visitors.

"Safety and security of tourists remain primarily a state subject. - Ministry of Tourism"

New Delhi, March 9

The Union Ministry of Tourism has undertaken multiple initiatives to enhance the safety and security of tourists across the country, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, informed the Lok Sabha on Monday in a written reply.

Safety and security of tourists remain primarily a state subject. However, the Ministry of Tourism has been actively engaging with State Governments and Union Territory (UT) Administrations to establish dedicated Tourism Police units to strengthen on-ground safety mechanisms.

As a result, states and UTs including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, and Uttar Pradesh have deployed tourist police personnel.

The Ministry has also been urging all states and UT's for availing the benefits of the 'Safe Tourism Destination for Women' under the Nirbhaya fund, which can be utilised for projects specifically designed to improve the safety and security of women tourists.

In addition, the Ministry, in coordination with all stakeholders, including state and UT Tourism Departments, has adopted the 'Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism'. This guideline encourages tourism activities that respect basic rights such as dignity, safety, and freedom from exploitation, particularly for women and children.

To assist tourists in distress, the Ministry has established a 24x7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline, accessible via toll-free number 1800-111-363 or short code 1363. The service is available in 12 languages, including 10 international languages, offering travel-related guidance and support to domestic and foreign tourists.

With a view to bringing in more transparency, accountability and improved service delivery, the Ministry of Tourism introduced an online system of receiving, processing and conveying/ granting approvals for classification of Accommodation Units and recognition of Tourism Service Providers.

Applications can be filed at the portal of the National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI+), i.e. nidhi.tourism.gov.in. This online process has also been integrated with a payment gateway.

Effective and adequate connectivity is one of the important aspects for developing a tourist destination. Ministry of Tourism is working very closely with the Ministry of Civil Aviation for improving the air connectivity to important tourist destinations and to lesser-known/new destinations with high potential.

It has coordinated with the Ministry of Civil Aviation under their Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-Udan) and is sharing the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) amount for the 53 tourism routes identified for this purpose.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good steps, but implementation is key. We have great policies on paper. The tourist police need to be proactive, not just present. Also, the NIDHI+ portal for approvals is a good move for transparency. Less red tape means better services for tourists. Jai Hind!
D
David E
Visiting India last year was an incredible experience. A dedicated helpline in international languages would have been very reassuring. The move to improve air connectivity to lesser-known destinations is smart. It spreads the economic benefits of tourism and reduces overcrowding at the usual spots like Goa and Jaipur.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the effort, I have a respectful criticism. The list of states with tourist police is long, but on the ground, their presence is often minimal. The funds and focus should ensure these personnel are adequately staffed and empowered, not just a token force. Safety cannot be half-done.
S
Shreya B
The 'Code of Conduct' is essential. We need to protect the dignity and safety of all, especially women and children. Tourism shouldn't come at the cost of exploitation. Promoting honourable tourism will improve our global image and make everyone feel welcome. Good job, Ministry! 👍
V
Vikram M
Connecting smaller airports under UDAN is brilliant! It will help domestic tourists explore hidden gems and boost local economies in the Northeast and other regions. The 1363 helpline number is easy to remember. Let's hope it's widely advertised at airports, railway stations, and hotels.

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