Tourism dept seeks Japanese funds for developing Hampi

The Karnataka tourism department has sought financial assistance from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to create modern infrastructure in Hampi. The department has prepared a detailed project report and has estimated the cost of development at Rs 80 crore.

"We have already sent the project proposal to JBIC through the Union government for the funds required. We have asked them to sanction us a soft loan at 2-4 per cent with a repayment period of 30 years," state tourism department principal secretary L Shanthakumari said.

Speaking to Business Standard, she said that the department proposes to create facilities at the ruins of Vijayanagar empire. A location map for Hampi has already been created to help the tourists.

"This will be the first of its kind tourism complex to be set up by the state tourism department. Housing Urban Development Corporation has already shown interest in funding the project," Shanthakumari said.

As per the plan envisaged by the department, a big tourist complex is being developed in an area spread over 209 acres at Hampi. This will include facilities like information and interpretation centre, dormitory, post office, parking area, boating, swimming pool, cafeteria, shopping centre and health centre.

She said that the Centre has sanctioned Rs 24 crore to the state tourism department for developing facilities for three tourism circuits in the state. They are Belur, Halebid and Shravanabelagola; Badami, Aihole and Pattadakallu; and Mangalore, Ullal and Udupi.

Another Rs 4 crore has been sanctioned for developing Jog Falls in Shimoga district, she said.

The department will create the basic infrastructure at these tourist centres like the provision of drinking water, hotels, information centre and reservation counters.

The department is also involving the private sector in developing these places, Shanthakumari added.