Maharashtra Government On A Tourism Enhancement Spree

Achal Dhruva - Mumbai

A brand new hill station is among the numerous projects initiated by the state government to boost tourism in the state. “Maharashtra has a plethora of tourist attraction and the government is focusing on making it a preferred destination for both foreign and domestic tourists,” stated Vijaysinh Mohite Patil, minister, rural development and tourism, Maharashtra.

According to Patil, the proposed hill station close to Mahabaleshwar will give a boost to eco-tourism in the state. “We felt the need for a new hill station as Mahabaleshwar, a popular hill station and getaway close to Mumbai has reached saturation point due to the restriction on further development after it was declared as an Eco-zone,” stated Patil. An area of 372 square kilometres has been proposed for the creation of this new hill station and the site has been identified 40 kms from Mahabaleshwar on the road to Wai.

A host of facilities and attractions like herbal centre, water sports, ashram shala (school), amusement park, golf course, bio-tech park and resort, crafts village, artists’ village, botanical gardens, safari and Jungle treks, sports enclave, health centre etc. have been proposed on about 53 sq kms, the proposed area earmarked for development out of the total project area. The estimated cost of the project is pegged at Rs 678 crore. Matheran, another popular hill station very close to Mumbai also features on the government’s plans for infrastructure improvement. The existing road from Neral to Matheran will be repaired, larger parking area at Matheran, repairs of internal roads and sprucing up of all points with safety features like railings and facilities are part of the developmental plans for this hill station, which has also been declared as an eco- sensitive zone.

The other major activity as far as tourism development is concerned will be witnessed in Sindhudurg district. A sum of Rs 545 crore was earmarked by the state government in the first week of the month for various tourism development projects in the district, which was declared as a tourism district a couple of years ago. The shoreline of this district will soon be dotted with five star resorts as the state government is going to allocate land to seven hotel groups including Taj and Oberoi. According to an official in state tourism department, land has already been handed over to Taj at Sirola, small seashore village.

Patil emphasised that development of infrastructure will be the key to promoting tourism in the state and also transforming Mumbai from a gateway to a tourist hub. While agreeing that the slew of festivals in Mumbai celebrating the historical, cultural and vibrant milieu of the city in Janaury were a shot in the arm for promoting Mumbai as a tourist destination Patil felt infrastructure development like more hotel rooms, good roads etc. were the need of the hour. He also stated that he would put forward a proposal for the state government to grant permission for hospital cum residencies. Commenting on the lukewarm response to Deccan Odyssey, Patil said that more aggressive publicity and marketing is required for the luxury train, a premier tourist product. He informed that GSA’s would be appointed in more foreign countries to sell the train and an international marketing campaign is also on the cards. Currently there are GSA’s in five countries selling Deccan Odyssey.