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MTDC: New Takeover…New Plans
Charmaine Fernz - Mumbai
Newly instated Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation
(MTDC) managing director Bhushan Gagrani has many plans to speed up the pace
of tourism growth in the state. "Our initial focus is on completing all
the pending assignments. Subsequently, as these projects are both state and
centrally funded, we do face certain hurdles in terms of sanctions etc. We have
the funds but besides that, we also need the relevant authority to expedite
the process. That however is vested with the many agencies."
Elaborating on future projects, Gagrani said, " The
360-crore Phase II of the Ajanta-Ellora Project which is being funded by the
JBIC and state government, will soon witness new additions in the form of replica
caves at the tourist complex similar in the lines of the Ajanta and Ellora.
This initiative is being undertaken so that tourists appreciate the arts. It
will also be supported by a multimedia show. Adjacent to the Ajanta Caves, will
be a similar set up of the replica of four of the caves, while the Ellora Caves
would have a replica of the Kailash Temple. To further boost tourism in the
state, talks are on with the civil aviation ministry to revive the Jaipur-Udaipur
connectivity. We also  plan
to develop the Konkan costal area as well as strengthen the backward and forward
functioning of the Deccan Odyssey."
With a hard task on hand to make the Deccan Odyssey a sellable
product, Gagrani plans to hold various roadshows across India in cities like
Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai to increase the awareness of the product and its offerings.
The fare structure for the luxury train remains the same till 2007 while even
the bookings look good with the upcoming charter season in Nov-Dec 2005.
On a conclusive note, Gagrani talked about the underlying potential in Maharashtra,
one of which is Bollywood tourism and need for a good concise tourist package.
Subsequently, the MMRDA is also planning an entertainment-cum-tourism zone along
the Gorai-Manori belt for which talks are still on. This project will boast
theme parks, health spas, resorts etc.
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