Puducherry to pump Rs 400cr in tourism

In view of the growing tourism potential, the Puducherry government is embarking on a slew of tourism infrastructure expansion projects involving an investment of about Rs 400 crore.

Puducherry, located on the east coast about 162 km south of Chennai, attracted about 7.5 lakh domestic tourists during 2006, a growth of about 20 per cent over the previous year. It also attracted 60,000 foreign tourists in 2006, up about 30 per cent over the previous year.

According to A Anbarasu, secretary - tourism and public works, government of Puducherry, it is also planning a 'special tourism zone' at Manapet village over 35 hectares of land. The project will comprise a golf course, health resorts, zoo, sculpture park etc.

Anbarasu said the government is planning to develop Thirunallar near Karaikal as a temple town by creating the required infrastructure involving an investment of Rs 220 crore.

Thirunallar, known for its world famous temple dedicated to Lord Saaneswarar (Saturn), attracts 20,000 - 50,000 people on normal weekends and over one million people annually. Hudco has already completed the master plan for the project and the government is exploring further funding options.

The government has also submitted a Rs 25-crore project blueprint to the Centre for beautification of the Puducherry beach front.

Keeping in mind the 1.5-km beachside walkway, Puducherry is a major relaxing spot for both domestic and foreign tourists, the state government plans to develop high jet fountains on the beach front as part of the beautification process.

The Pondicherry tourism department has also started a land bank scheme where it plans to acquire lands for implementation of various tourism projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, while it encourages direct land purchase by companies.

The government has proposed two family entertainment centres in the Karaikal and Mahe regions. The total project cost for the two centres is estimated at Rs 25 crore.

A 5-star hotel is being planned on the riverfront in Puducherry under the PPP mode involving Rs 40 crore.