Latest news with #MaharashtraTourismDevelopmentCorporation
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kalagram, once complete, will serve as a major tourist spot in Nashik: Bhujbal
Nashik: Kalagram near Gangapur dam would become a key tourist spot and serve as a platform for local artists and tourists to come together, minister for food, civil supplies and consumer protection Chhagan Bhujbal said on Saturday. Kalagram, built in Gowardhan village over the past 12 years, was modelled after Delhi's Haat Bazaar concept. "With its strategic location near Gangapur dam and the Maharashtra tourism department's boat club and resort, Kalagram will offer tremendous opportunities for local artisans, particularly from the tribal community, to showcase and sell their crafts," Bhujbal said. Zilla Parishad CEO Ashima Mittal, MTDC officials and others were present during the visit. Kalagram was envisioned to span 12 acres in Nashik taluka, ahead of the 2015 Kumbh Mela, showcasing rural artists' work, including jewellery, paintings, pottery, clothing and handicrafts for both decorative and everyday use. The work began in 2014 with funding from the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation but faced delays due to the change in govt. However, progress has now picked up, and the project is nearing completion. After visiting the premises and reviewing the work, Bhujbal said the works were now in the final stage. "Once completed, Kalagram will be handed over to Nashik Zilla Parishad, which will work with various govt departments to provide a platform and market for local artisans. There are 99 galleries where farmers, artisans and sculptors can showcase their products and art," the minister said. "We have proposed to CM Devendra Fadnavis to provide govt assistance to the functioning of Kalagram, where these shops will be made available at reasonable rates to women self-help and farmer groups, among others," Bhujbal added.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tourists to enjoy helicopter joyride near Boat Club soon
Nashik: Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) decided to start helicopter joyrides for 15 or 30 minute slots at its Grape Park resort, located near Boat Club on the backwater of Gangapur Dam. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The tourism development corporation took this step to boost tourism and enhance the accessibility of tourist attractions in Nashik. Apart from Boat Club and Grape Park resort, there are two major wineries near the Gangapur Dam that also serve as tourist attractions. Thousands of tourists from Mumbai, Pune, Gujarat, and other parts of the country visit daily. Apart from Nashik city, the helicopter joyride services are to be started at Malshejghat MTDC Resort, Karla, Lonar, Ganpatiphule, and Bhimashankar. MTDC officials said, "We have floated the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the appointment of operators for providing the 'helicopter joyride service' at select locations, including Nashik. The last date for submitting the RFP is June 25. The RFPs are to be opened on June 26." "If the operators are finalised, then the joyride services at Nashik Grape Park resort of the MTDC will start within three months," said the sources from MTDC. Maharashtra's diverse landscape, ranging from the Western Ghats and pristine beaches to UNESCO World Heritage sites, presents significant potential for heli-tourism. The project aligns with the state's vision to elevate its tourism offerings, attract domestic and international tourists, and foster economic development through sustainable and innovative travel solutions, said the MTDC officials.
News18
10-06-2025
- Business
- News18
'In-depth Viewership': INS Guldar Set To Become India's First Underwater Museum
Last Updated: The 1,120-tonne vessel measuring 83.9 metres long and 9.7 metres wide, was retired on January 12, 2024, and gifted to Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation by Indian Navy In a groundbreaking move, the decommissioned Indian Navy warship INS Guldar is set to become India's first underwater museum and artificial coral reef, nestled near Nivati Rock in Sindhudurg's Vengurla taluka, Maharashtra. This ambitious project, aimed at boosting marine conservation and tourism, was launched virtually by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, with deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with key ministers and officials, in attendance. Officials said it's a historic step, blending heritage, ecology, and adventure to create a unique destination. The INS Guldar, a 1,120-tonne vessel measuring 83.9 metres long and 9.7 metres wide, was retired on January 12, 2024. Gifted to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) by the Indian Navy at no cost, with approvals from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Rajnath Singh, the ship was transported from Port Blair to Karwar Naval Base at the Navy's expense, saving significant costs for the state. On February 22, 2024, MTDC took official possession, and by March 16, 2025, the ship was safely towed to Vijaydurg in Sindhudurg. The Maharashtra Maritime Board permitted the vessel to be docked at its Vijaydurg jetty for six to seven months, free of charge. The project, funded with Rs 46.91 crore by the union tourism ministry on December 27, 2024, under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, involves transforming the INS Guldar into an underwater attraction. Environmentally cleaned by April 15, 2025, the ship is now ready for scuttling near Nivati Rock, a task assigned to Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited on April 16, 2025. Once submerged, the vessel will foster coral growth, creating a vibrant marine ecosystem. This will pave the way for scuba diving and, in the future, submarine tours, offering tourists a thrilling glimpse of the underwater world. This initiative, a first for India, draws inspiration from similar projects worldwide. It promises to put Sindhudurg on the global tourism map while promoting marine biodiversity. The MTDC, led by managing director Manoj Kumar Suryavanshi and general manager Chandrashekhar Jaiswal, is working closely with local authorities, including Sindhudurg's district collector Anil Patil, to ensure its success. By blending history with eco-tourism, officials say the INS Guldar underwater museum will offer an unforgettable experience, inviting adventurers to explore a sunken warship surrounded by thriving coral reefs. First Published:
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
A decade later, MTDC revives plan to operate seaplanes from Gangapur dam in Nashik to Mumbai
1 2 3 Nashik: The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is once again planning to launch a seaplane service from Gangapur dam in Nashik to Mumbai in a bid to boost tourism in the region, especially ahead of the Kumbh Mela. The initiative was first proposed a decade ago, in 2015, but it could not be started due to some technical reasons. "We have already invited expressions of interest from private firms to operate the seaplanes. We are looking for a positive response," Chandrashekhar Jaiswal, general manager of MTDC, told TOI. He further said that the corporation has decided to start the service on seven other routes in the state as well. The seven routes are Mumbai to Ganpatipule (Ratnagiri), Mumbai to Koyna dam (Satara), Mumbai to Ujani dam (Solapur), Mandwa (Alibaug) to Ganpatipule (Ratnagiri), Panshet (Pune) to Ujani (Solapur), Ujani (Solapur) to Koyna Dam (Satara), and Koyna (Satara) to Panshet (Pune). MTDC officials said the service will begin soon after the bidding process is completed. Jaiswal said, "We aim to introduce seaplanes in Maharashtra to improve air connectivity to key tourist destinations, including heritage sites, wildlife reserves, beaches and major cities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo This initiative seeks to enhance travel convenience and create a structured framework for seaplane tourism operations in the state." The project aims to enhance the accessibility of major attraction points, promote regional connectivity, and provide premium aerial tours showcasing the state's natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage. The idea aligns with the state's vision to elevate its tourism offerings, attract domestic and international visitors, and foster economic development through sustainable and innovative travel solutions.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MTDC plans to install EV charging points across state
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), in order to support tourism and encourage the use of electric vehicles, is installing EV charging stations at its Boat Club and Grape Park resorts, both situated on the Gangapur dam backwaters near Nashik. These two locations are part of a larger initiative to establish charging facilities at 49 MTDC resorts across Maharashtra. The MTDC plans to lease out the space to contractors who will be responsible for setting up, managing, operating, and maintaining these EV charging stations. The corporation has already sought Expressions of Interest (EoI) from interested firms for this project. According to an MTDC official, there will be two charging stations at one location with the capacity to charge four vehicles at a time. The MTDC took this decision considering the rise in EV vehicles and to facilitate tourists coming to their properties. The MTDC will lease out its spaces, around 50 square metres, to the contractors for a period of 10 years, which will later be extended for another 10 years. In the Nashik region, the charging stations are to be set up at four locations, including two each in Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts. In Ahilyanagar, the EV charging stations are to be set up at the MTDC resorts in Bhandardara and Shirdi. The maximum number of EV charging stations will be set up at 13 locations in the Nagpur region, followed by 10 locations in Ratnagiri/Sindhudurg, nine in Pune, seven in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and six in the Mumbai region. The last date for filing EoIs is June 4.
