India’s music tourism is booming, and industry leaders urge Union Budget 2025 to invest in better infrastructure to support the growing live entertainment sector.

India is still riding the wave of excitement from Coldplay’s recent tour, yet the live music scene shows no signs of slowing down. Ed Sheeran has already performed in Pune and is set to take the stage in Hyderabad soon. Later this month, globally renowned DJ Tiësto will also be making his way to India. These performances follow a series of high-profile concerts in the past three months, featuring artists like Cigarettes After Sex, Karan Aujla, AP Dhillon, Bryan Adams, and Dua Lipa.

While September to February has traditionally been the peak season for music festivals and concerts, India’s live entertainment industry is now thriving year-round. The demand for international and domestic acts continues to surge, stretching the country’s infrastructure—both physical and digital—to its limits. This rapid growth calls for strategic planning, and industry leaders are urging the government to step in and support the sector. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent emphasis on developing a “concert economy,” this year’s budget may hold key provisions for strengthening India’s music tourism industry.

Building a More Robust Live Music Ecosystem

VG Jairam, founder of Hyperlink Brand Solutions, which collaborates with Mahindra to produce major music festivals in Mumbai, highlights the urgent need for greater support. He outlines key areas that require government intervention to elevate India’s live entertainment landscape:

1) Developing World-Class Entertainment Venues

• Indoor Arenas (5,000 Capacity): Constructing state-of-the-art multipurpose indoor venues in major cities and smaller towns. These spaces should accommodate concerts, sporting events, conventions, and exhibitions. Encouraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) with developers and entertainment firms will help ensure high-quality infrastructure.
• Outdoor Venues (15,000+ Capacity): Establishing large-scale open-air venues like amphitheaters and festival parks with top-notch facilities, including parking, accommodations, food courts, and high-speed internet.

2) Streamlining Event Approvals

The complexity of securing multiple permissions often slows down event planning. A dedicated entertainment authority in each state could digitize and centralize approvals, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Pre-approved safety and compliance guidelines would also minimize bureaucratic roadblocks.

3) Encouraging Private Investment

To build and manage venues efficiently, private investments should be incentivized through tax benefits, land allocations, or revenue-sharing models. Collaborations with tourism and hospitality industries could create attractive packages for entertainment-driven travel.

4) Positioning India as a Global Live Entertainment Hub

By integrating music festivals with India’s cultural and heritage sites, the country could attract both domestic and international tourists. A strong focus on “event tourism” could generate significant revenue for the hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors.

5) Workforce Development and Job Creation

As the entertainment industry expands, there is a growing need for skilled professionals in event production, technical support, and logistics. Government-backed training programs could prepare a workforce ready to meet these demands. Supporting large-scale festivals and cultural events would also create numerous employment opportunities.

6) Integrating Technology for Smarter Events

Advancements like 5G connectivity, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) could enhance live entertainment experiences. AI-powered crowd management systems could also improve safety and efficiency at major events.

7) Recognizing the Economic Benefits of Entertainment

A well-developed live entertainment sector contributes significantly to tourism, retail, and hospitality industries. Case studies from cities like Las Vegas and Singapore demonstrate how a thriving concert and festival economy can drive billions in revenue. India could adopt similar models to strengthen its event-driven economy.

Preserving India’s Musical Heritage

Beyond global concerts, there is also a pressing need to promote India’s rich musical legacy. Dr. Suvarnalata Rao, head of Indian Music at the NCPA in Mumbai, emphasizes the importance of supporting classical and folk music traditions alongside contemporary performances. A balanced approach to music tourism should include initiatives that highlight India’s deep-rooted cultural heritage.

The Future of India’s Live Music Industry

With major concerts becoming more frequent, industry experts believe that India’s live music sector is at a turning point. Deepak Chaudhary, founder of EVA Live—organizers of the Bryan Adams and Arijit Singh tours—notes that the demand for large-scale events is only growing. Aman Kumar, co-founder of White Fox India, which produced AP Dhillon’s India concerts, stresses the need for government-backed subsidies to build essential event infrastructure.

As the country embraces its growing role in the global live entertainment scene, addressing infrastructure challenges and streamlining regulations will be key to sustaining this momentum. With strategic government support, India could soon become one of the most sought-after destinations for live music and entertainment tourism.

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