Project Features
MTDc Gears up for "New Mahabaleshwar" project
'New Mahabaleshwar' project is yet again on the radar of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) for developing the Mahabaleshwar site. MTDC has started working on the project to replicate the existing hill station of Mahabaleshwar in Satara district. In early 2000, MTDC informed that it was planning to invest around Rs 1,000 crore for the development of the new project, which is spread across 6000 hectares of land. The new project will extend its current base (Mahabaleshwar) to Koyna Dam. After completing the feasibility study on the upcoming site, MTDC is currently going ahead with the development of 'New Mahabaleshwar' project, which will be near the existing hill station of Mahabaleshwar.
According to Vijay Chavan, General Manager, MTDC, "Existing Mahabaleshwar is no more a summer destination, but is becoming a round the year destination. It is most popular among the travelers in Maharashtra and is one of the preferred hill stations for short haul markets like Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, etc." The reason behind the development of new site is due to over saturation of the current site. "During the peak season (March - June), the demand for hotel rooms are much higher than supply. The new site will open new destinations for frequent travelers and will open new avenues for suppliers. It is a huge project and will take a minimum of five to eight years to be completed," added Chavan. Currently, Mahabaleshwar along with Panchgani (18 km away from Mahabaleshwar)are promoted as hill stations, while Tapola (30km away from Mahabaleshwar) is promoted as an adventure site (closed from June - October).
Chavan also informed that Government of Maharashtra owns a good portion of land at the new site. "We have requested the government to pass on the site for tourism development. Once we get a good amount of area, we will invite hoteliers to give their tenders for the same. I'm sure top hotel and resort chains along with budget hotels will show keen interest to expand their operations at this new site," stated Chavan. Apart from 'New Mahabaleshwar' site, MTDC is also going to develop Toranmal hill-station in Nandurbar District, Maharashtra. Currently, Toranmal hill-station is the second coolest hill-station in Maharashtra and is slowly getting popular among domestic and international tourists! Chavan said, "Toranmal hill-station holds immense tourism potential for the state. The investment figures for developing the hill-station are still getting finalised, but we are trying to start the project as soon as possible."
Project Investment
According to the 33rd Quarterly Survey of Projects Investments (31st December 2008) conducted by Projects Today, the industry had 493 projects worth Rs. 29/-, 402 crore in various stages of planning and implementation.
The top ten projects currently in progress are...
| Project Name | Promotor | State |
|---|---|---|
| Sahara India Ltd. | Amby Valley Project | Maharashtra |
| Country Club (India) Ltd. | Golf Village (Kolad) Project | Maharashtra |
| Maitreya Project International | 'Maitreya Buddha' Statue (Kushinagar) Project | Uttar Pradesh |
| Sahara India Ltd. | Tourism (West Bengal) Project | West Bengal |
| Davanam Constructions Pvt. Ltd | Family Entertainment Centre (Bangalore) | Karnataka |
| International Management Group | Sports Complex (Hyderabad) | Andhra Pradesh |
| Maharashtra Tourism Devp. Corpn. Ltd. | 'New Mahabaleshwar' Development Project | Maharashtra |
| Jaypee Greens Ltd. | Integrated Golf Resort (Greater Noida) Project | Uttar Pradesh |
| Municipal Corpn. of Greater Mumbai | Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan Zoo (Byculla) Project | Maharashtra |
| Sports Complex (Hot War) | Sports Complex (Hyderabad) | Jharkhand |
Mahabaleshwar News
Mahabaleshwar is a panoramic hill station also known as the queen of Maharastra's hill stations, located in the Western Ghats and nestled by Sahyadri ranges. It is the highest hill station in Western India and has complete range of natural beauty in the form of picturesque landscapes, gushing waterfalls of river Krishna and miles stretched Verna Lake. Salubrious climate attracts people of various age groups across the globe. Mahabaleshwar is also known for the honey and strawberries production. One can visit strawberry farms to enjoy the real flavor of the strawberry and dispersed aroma of this fruits over entire place gives a maddening effect. It's an abode of Lord Shiva and enshrined at the Gokarna temple in the form of a self-originated ling am (shaped like a Rudraksha).Use our search function to know about the latest news and happenings in and around Mahabaleshwar.