New Delhi, Feb 12:
In a major move to solidify India’s image as a secure global travel destination, the Union Ministry of Tourism today detailed a comprehensive series of reforms aimed at strengthening on-ground safety mechanisms. From a multi-lingual 24×7 helpline to the deployment of dedicated Tourist Police in 15 States and UTs, the government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure traveler security.
The details were shared by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today, February 12, 2026.
1. The ‘Tourist Police’ Shield
While safety remains a State subject, the Central Government has successfully persuaded 15 States and Union Territories to deploy specialized Tourist Police units. These personnel are trained specifically to assist travelers and prevent harassment at major hubs.
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The Guarded Zones: Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi, Goa, Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and more.
2. 1363: Your 24×7 Multi-Lingual Lifeline
To bridge communication gaps for international visitors, the Ministry has operationalized a 24×7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline.
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Toll-Free: 1800111363 or Short Code 1363
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Languages: Available in 12 languages, including 10 international dialects (Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish) plus Hindi and English.
3. Focus on Women’s Safety (Nirbhaya Fund)
The Ministry is urging States to utilize the ‘Safe Tourism Destination for Women’ initiative under the Nirbhaya Fund. This includes:
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Improving lighting and CCTV coverage at tourist spots.
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Sensitization programs for local stakeholders.
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Adoption of the ‘Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism’ to prevent exploitation.
4. Digital Transparency via NIDHI+
The Ministry has transitioned to a fully online system for the classification of accommodation units. Through the NIDHI+ portal (nidhi.tourism.gov.in), service providers can now get recognized and verified with a seamless, integrated payment gateway, reducing the risk of fraudulent bookings and ensuring accountability.
5. Better Connectivity, Smarter Visas
Safety isn’t just about policing; it’s about reliable transit.
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UDAN Scheme: The Ministry is funding 53 identified tourism routes in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation to ensure tourists reach even “lesser-known” gems safely and quickly.
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E-Visa Expansion: The e-visa facility is now available to nationals of 175 countries, accessible through 38 airports and 16 seaports.
“The focus is on dignity, safety, and freedom from exploitation for both tourists and local residents,” the Minister stated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ philosophy.
