Maharashtra govt sanctions INR 33.50 crores to redevelop Mahabaleshwar

The Maharashtra government has sanctioned INR 33.50 crores to redevelop Mahabaleshwar on lines of Shimla/Manali as an international tourist destination.

In a meeting held on Tuesday, February 16, Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar instructed that the funds be made available for various works like the development of roads, restoration of historic structures, beautification and laying of underground electric cables in the hill station. The tourism minister Aaditya Thackeray and other ministers were also present.

Announcing the decision, Pawar in his tweet said, “Orders have been given to immediately start the redevelopment work of tourism development in Mahabaleshwar. While doing this the beauty of old infrastructure and buildings will be retained, also underground work of water pipelines will be done. There will be separate space given for the parking lots for the tourists.”

The walls and signboards will be painted with the same colour to maintain uniformity, while main roads and lanes of hill station will be developed on the lines of “Mall road” in Manali, Pawar said after a meeting held in Mumbai.

An official press release from Ajit Pawar’s office said the roads in the market will be widened due to the increasing number of tourists. The area will also have parking facility. Mahabaleshwar will also have special lighting at night while the special plan for beautification of roads will be worked out.

Mahabaleshwar along with Wai and Panchgani are few prominent tourists destinations in Maharashtra. People from Pune and Mumbai visit these places often and they are a popular weekend destination.

To attract more tourists there are plans being chalked out to install street lights at various spots. The historical “Petit Library” in Mahabaleshwar will be renovated under this project, said Pawar. Throughout the year tourists visit Mahabaleshwar and various points in and around the town.

Last year due to COVID-19 pandemic all the tourist’s spots were closed down for public due to state government’s orders. Now gradually the tourist destinations and hotels are opening up for tourism purpose.