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1 Apr, 2013

Indian Tourism Ministry Approves Billions for Mega-Circuit Projects in Three States

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New Delhi, Ministry of Tourism, 1 April 2013 – Union Tourism Minister Mr K. Chiranjeevi has approved Central Finance Assistance (CFA) totalling IR 137.37 crore (one crore is 10 million) for mega-circuit tourism projects in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Kerala. Details:

Andhra Pradesh

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Rs. 45.88 crore has been approved for the development of Vishakapatnam – Bheemunipatnam Beach Corridor Mega Circuit. The Project will involve development of tourism facilities at Bheemunipatnam, Erramattidibbalu, Kailashgiri, Mangamaripeta Beach, RK Beach, Thotlakonda, Pavuralakonda, Rushikonda, Bhavikonda and Beautification of Beach Corridor Circuit. An amount of Rs. 3.2 crore has been released as first instalment of the CFA as an advance for starting the work. The State Government of Andhra Pradesh shall make land for the project available free of cost and also render all possible assistance for completion of the project in time. No portion of the sanctioned project should be executed/implemented in land/property owned by private individual or trust.

The State Government of Andhra Pradesh shall also set up a Monitoring Committee headed by the Special Chief Secretary (Tourism) with a Member from the Ministry of Tourism and the Implementing agency to monitor physical and financial progress of the sanctioned project and submit the progress report to Ministry of Tourism on quarterly basis. The Government of Andhra Pradesh would get the work executed through the APTDC Limited and shall have the work started immediately to ensure timely utilization of funds and to avoid escalation of the cost. The project should be commissioned within 18 months.

Maharashtra

Rs. 43.87 crore approved for the development of Solapur Mega Circuit. The Project will involve development of tourism facilities at Pandharpur, Akkalkot, Solapur and Tuljapur. An amount of Rs. 4.38 crore has been released as first instalment of the CFA as an advance for starting the work. The State Government of Maharashtra shall make land for the project available free of cost and also render all possible assistance for completion of the project in time. No portion of the sanctioned project should be executed/implemented in land/property owned by private individual or trust.

The State Government of Maharashtra shall also set up a Monitoring Committee headed by the Principal Secretary (Tourism) with a Member from the Ministry of Tourism and the Implementing agency to monitor physical and financial progress of the sanctioned project and submit the progress report to Ministry of Tourism on quarterly basis. The Government of Maharashtra would get the work executed through the Maharashtra Tourism Development cooperation Limited and shall have the work started immediately to ensure timely utilization of funds and to avoid escalation of the cost. The project should be commissioned within 36 months.

Kerala

Rs. 47.62 crore approved for development of back water circuit in Alappuzha in back water region as a mega circuit. The Project will involve construction of House Boat Terminals at Arookutty, Thaneermukkom, Pallathuruthy, Nedumudi, Kanjipadam, Thottappally and Kaymkullam; Night Halt Terminals at Vattakayal West and Karumadi Vilakkumaram; development of micro destinations at VayamkaraChira, Pandy, Thazhuppu and Kuthiravattomchira ; Development of beaches at Arthukal and Thottappally and development of Alappuzha town as the central destination of the circuit.

An amount of Rs. 2.38 crore has been released as first instalment of the CFA as an advance for starting the work. The State Government of Kerala shall make land for the project available free of cost and also render all possible assistance for completion of the project in time. No portion of the sanctioned project should be executed/implemented in land/property owned by private individual or trust. The State Government of Kerala shall also set up a Monitoring Committee headed by the Principal Secretary (Tourism) with a Member from the Ministry of Tourism and the Implementing agency to monitor physical and financial progress of the sanctioned project and submit the progress report to Ministry of Tourism on quarterly basis. The project should be commissioned within 36 months.