Wayside inns to dot Kerala

121 entrepreneurs selected for Vazhiyoram project

Kerala Tourism's unique Vazhiyoram project has got off to a flying start with the department of tourism selecting 121 entrepreneurs from among the 535 who had sent in applications to set up wayside (vazhiyoram) tourist centres along highways, waterways and major roads that connect important destinations. The Vazhiyoram centres are expected to be ready in 3-4 months.

The concept of the Vazhiyoram project is that small tourist centres, constructed along the highways connecting tour destinations across the state, would ensure availability of restaurants, rest rooms and mini-shopping spots, etc for tourists.

Speaking to Business Standard, U V Jose, planning officer, department of tourism, said,

"The selection was done at two levels. The first screening was at the application /documentation level and the second followed a site inspection by a panel constituted at the district level. The committee comprised officials from the state tourism department, district tourism promotion council, town planning department and the State Bank of India, which is the partner bank for the project. Availability of land, entrepreneurial background and qualification of the applicant as well as experience in the hospitality industry were weighed before the final selection was made," Jose said.

Of the selected centres, nine are in Thiruvananthapuram district, 11 in Kollam, 2 in Pathanamthitta, 7 in Alappuzha, 15 in Kottayam, 14 in Idukki, 18 in Ernakulam, 10 each in Thrissur and Malappuram, 12 in Palakkad, 1 in Kozhikode, 6 in Wynad, and 3 each in Kannur and Kasaragod.

The department of tourism would play the role of a facilitator. The entrepreneurs would enjoy all freedom in appointment of employees and other things, he said. With a standardised design and uniform branding in place, the entrepreneurs will have more to benefit.

The department has also ensured a subsidy of 2 per cent of the construction cost for a maximum of Rs 5 lakh for approved projects. An additional subsidy of Rs 2 lakh would be extended for adopting eco-friendly measures like rainwater harvesting and pollution control measures besides offering loans on low interest rates.

According to Jose, Vazhiyoram centres will be divided into three levels based on the facilities available. The class I centre will be constructed on 20 cents of land at an investment of Rs 25 lakh. These centres will house a restaurant of a minimum capacity of 30 people, telephone booth, souvenir shop, parking space for a minimum of 8 cars, 4 paid toilets, two bathrooms and an internet café. The class II centre will be built at an investment of Rs 17. 5 lakh on an area of 20 cents of land. These centres will house a restaurant similar to the class I restaurant, parking space for 4 cars, souvenir shop and 2 paid toilets. The class III centre will be built on 10 cents of land at an investment of Rs 12.5 lakh. They will house a coffee shop, souvenir shop, 2 paid toilets and parking space for 2 cars.