Saturday, August 10, 2024 Maharashtra’s tourism soars as the state invests in river cruises and new ports, with a focus on routes from Narmada to the Statue of Unity. In a groundbreaking effort to rejuvenate its tourism and hospitality sectors, the Maharashtra Government has unveiled a significant investment strategy aimed at transforming the industry. Central to Maharashtra’s revamped tourism strategy is the promotion of river cruising.
The policy is set to launch a variety of thrilling river cruise routes, capitalizing on the state’s extensive river network. A standout feature is the Nandurbar-Statue of Unity route, which is anticipated to draw considerable interest. The Vashishti River in Konkan and the Godavari River in Nashik are also earmarked for cruise tourism.
To support this emerging sector, new ports will be established along the Konkan coast,improving connectivity and access The state is offering incentives totaling INR 1,666 crore for the current fiscal year, with a similar amount committed over the next decade, aiming to attract investments of INR 1 lakh crore. This initiative is expected to generate up to 18 lakh direct and indirect jobs over the next ten years, providing a substantial boost to the local economy. The new policy aims to position Maharashtra as a leading destination for river cruising, a specialized segment within the broader cruise industry.
Unlike sea cruises, which are often affected by seasonal weather conditions, river cruises can operate year-round, ensuring a continuous influx of tourism activities and opportunities. Maharashtra’s extensive river network, including the Narmada, Vashishti, Godavari, Savitri, Krishna, and Tapi rivers, offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The policy includes a variety of incentives to attract investment, such as capital investment subsidies of 15-20% or up to INR 20 crore, whichever is lower.
There will also be exemptions on SGST, electricity duty, tariff, and stamp duty, depending on the project’s eligibility period, which ranges from 5 to 15 years..
