MP tourism focus on infrastructure

More trains to state planned

The Madhya Pradesh (MP) state government is concentrating on infrastructure to promote tourism in the state.

The state's department of tourism has initiated discussions with railways departments for increasing trains to tourist spots in the state, said Arvind Joshi, tourism secretary of Madhya Pradesh, on the sidelines of the road show to promote tourism in the state organized by the MP State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (MPSTDC).

"The rail departments will be conducting a feasibility study looking for new rail paths soon", Joshi claimed.

The department of tourism is also talking to private airlines like Deccan and Jet to connect popular destinations like Jabalpur by flights.

"Deccan is already conducting a study and will take a decision shortly", added Joshi.

Apart from air and rail, the state has taken up road infrastructure projects as well.

The state public and works department (PWD) has identified 17 key roads for upgradation and renovation for improved road connectivity between tourist spots.

Fund allocation would be finalised shortly, he confirmed.

The central budgetary support received by the state was to the tune of Rs 25-30 crore each year for tourism related activities like destination development, facility improvement and setting up of information centres, said Joshi.

MPSTDC planned to renovate all its 45 hotels and restaurants within March 2005.

"MPSTDC would be improving its service further by next year. Along with available packages, it will come up with tailormade packages suitable for individual choice", said Ashwani Lohani, managing director of MPSTDC.

After incurring a loss of around Rs 1 crore in the last financial year, MPSTDC was expecting to make profit this year.

"A 50 per cent rise in income is expected on the 2003-04 figure of Rs 12 crore. By 2005-06, expected income is around Rs 35 crore", he added.

Joshi and Lohani said tourists from West Bengal and Gujarat made up the bulk of domestic visitors to the state.