The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has launched plans to modernise five of its key tourism properties across the state through the public-private partnership (PPP) model, including the development of a new five-star resort at Tadoba.
The proposed upgrades will cover properties in Tadoba, Mithbav, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran and Harihareshwar. MTDC has invited proposals to appoint an independent project monitoring agency that will oversee design, construction, quality standards, progress and dispute resolution throughout the projects.
The developments will follow a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) framework, with private concessionaires responsible for operating the properties for periods ranging from 30 to 60 years.
Five-Star Resort Planned at Tadoba
The biggest project under the programme is a proposed five-star resort spread across 25 hectares at Tadoba, one of Maharashtra’s prominent wildlife tourism destinations known for tiger safaris. The project has been awarded under a 60-year concession.
Existing MTDC properties at other tourism destinations will also undergo redevelopment. These include a four-star resort at Mahabaleshwar and three-star resorts at Matheran, Mithbav and Harihareshwar.
The Mahabaleshwar property has been offered under a 60-year concession, while the resorts at Matheran, Mithbav and Harihareshwar have been given 30-year concession periods.
Independent Agency to Monitor Projects
MTDC plans to appoint a specialised consultancy as an independent expert to maintain quality and ensure timely execution. The monitoring periods will vary by project, ranging from 24 months for Matheran and Mithbav to 60 months for Tadoba.
The appointed agency will review architectural and engineering designs, conduct quarterly site inspections, monitor adherence to quality standards, track construction progress and help resolve disputes between MTDC and private concessionaires.
Eligibility for Consultants
MTDC’s Request for Proposal requires participating consultancy firms to have an average annual turnover of at least Rs 10 crore over the previous three financial years.
Firms that have previously worked as consultants for a project’s concessionaire or contractor will not be eligible to bid for the monitoring assignment.
The redevelopment programme spans Maharashtra’s major tourism landscapes, covering wildlife, hill and coastal destinations. MTDC’s approach is aimed at upgrading accommodation infrastructure while bringing private-sector investment and long-term operational expertise into some of the state’s established tourism assets.
Source: The Free Press Journal
