The Dandi Heritage Route and the National Salt Museum in Gujarat remain largely under utilised, despite the historical significance of Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March.

Since the announcement in 2005 by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to declare the route as a heritage site and allocate ₹2,500 crores for its development, little has been done to promote tourism along this path.

Mahatma Gandhi began the Dandi March on March 12, 1930, from Sabarmati Ashram, covering approximately 241 miles over 25 days to reach Dandi on April 5, 1930.

The proposed 21 night-stay facilities along the route are in a state of neglect, with little to no awareness in general public about their existence. Gujarat Tourism has failed to promote these accommodations, leaving potential visitors away from the route.

Furthermore, reports suggest that many museums established along the route lack adequate staffing, with allegations of ‘ghost recruitment’ surfacing. This absence of operational personnel not only hampers visitor experience but also raises questions about accountability and governance within the Gujarat Tourism.

The situation at the National Salt Museum is particularly dire, as it has fallen into disrepair and rarely sees any visitors. 

Moreover, there is a noticeable absence of information regarding the Dandi Heritage Route on the Gujarat Tourism website, with no promotional efforts in place to attract tourists or educate them about this historical journey.

The silence along this historic route serves as a reminder of what could have been a thriving tribute to a pivotal moment in India’s fight for independence. 

As the Dandi Heritage Route remains largely forgotten, it begs the question: when will Gujarat Tourism take responsibility and revitalise this crucial part of India’s history?

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