Tourism to get boost

Visakhapatnam: The consultant appointed by state tourism department Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Limited (IL&FS) for preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for 11 prestigious tourism projects worth Rs 1,800crore in Vizag, would be calling for fresh global expression of interests, with the change in guard of the power corridors in the state.

The policy of previous state government to entrust the projects to private players on lease basis instead of Hyderabad model of revenue sharing, had discouraged many potential private parties to take up the projects.

Though just before the polls, the state level GoM on tourism promotion had agreed for a revenue sharing model, official communication in the form of GO, was not issued.

Meanwhile, these projects were until now sent to the cold shortage due to the polls. Now, the new government has evinced interest in the projects and agreed on revenue sharing model.

While a GO in this regard is pending and expected to be out in a month, IL&FS representatives are busy making certain changes to the projects. They have recently given a power point presentation to the Chief Minister who suggested some changes.

IL&FS prepared 11 DPRs, two years ago and 29 firms responded to the global expression of interest called last year for five of them.

However, none came forward to sign the agreements. “The CM had suggested certain changes and assured all the support. He is very keen on grounding these projects. With the new change of policy to revenue sharing we are awaiting a GO. As and when the G O is released we will call for fresh global expression of interest followed by technical and financial bids,”  IL & FS, vice president and south head, S. Srinivas told this correspondent.

DPRs prepared for 11 projects

Five DPRs belonged to Multi Theme Park at Madhu-rawada in 100 acres, Wonders of the World Park at Yendada in 40 acres, International Convention Centre at Madhurawada in 20 acres, science city near Thotlakon-da in 25 acres and Arogyadham at Madhurawada in 20 acres. The remaining six projects are giant Ferris Wheel, Vizag Eye, on the lines of London Eye, Aqua Marine Park, a sea cruise terminal, Dedicated tourism train to Araku, ropeway at Meghadrigedda and a theme park.

The previous state government had fixed the land price at Rs 4 crs per acre and asked the successful bidders to pay 5 per cent of the price as an annual lease amount per acre. The lease policy has discouraged the potential bidders.