Maha plans coastal tourism circuit linking beaches and forts

The Maharashtra government is planning road linkages between temples, beaches and forts under the coastal tourism circuit project.
Union Road Transport Ministry is developing the Rs 10,000 crore Mumbai-Goa coastal road project with a view to develop the tourism circuit along the 720-km long coast in Maharashtra.
Minister of State for Tourism Madan Yerawar said the government also intends to use the 1,600 hectares of land bank with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to raise funds for providing facilities at MTDC guest houses in the state.
"Tourism is the only industry that not only generates revenue but also provides gainful employment," the minister told reporters on the eve of World Tourism day.

Commenting on the coastal tourism circuit, he said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is ready.
"Under the project, the state government will develop 60 road linkages to temples, beaches and forts along the main Mumbai-Goa coastal road," the minister said.

Considering the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regulations that prevent construction activity on the beaches owned by Rural Development, Urban Development, Tourism and Revenue departments, the government is planning to implement beach shacks policy that is in vogue in neighbouring Goa, Yerawar said.
"The government intends to implement the Beach Shacks policy on the MTDC plot at Versova beach. The government will put up signages along major road networks informing travellers about nearby tourist attractions," he said.

Referring to the 1,600 hectares of land bank lying with the MTDC, Yerawar said the land parcel will be used to raise funds for maintenance of the MTDC guest houses and for providing better hospitality services.
"The government will sign up agreements with Airbnb (online brokerage lodging and rental portal), private online fleet taxis like Ola and Uber which will provide employment and services to tourists and people alike," he said, adding that the online travel and ticketing portal Make My Trip is developing tiger reserve circuit in the Vidharbha region of the state.