Gadkari: Develop spaces along highways for tourism

Panaji: Goa should appoint an international consultant to identify free spaces available near national highways and develop these areas into tourist hotspots, minister for road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari, said on Friday. He said that hotels and restaurants could be developed along the highways to further increase tourism in Goa and up the state’s income.

“A study of new roads should be carried out by Goa to see where there is free space available. Goa should engage a consultant for this; it will be good to appoint an international consultant, if needed. Developing such hotels and restaurants will help make Goa’s economy very strong and its youth will get employment. The state will also benefit from the income generated from GST,” said Gadkari.

Just like Mumbai has been developed into the country’s commercial capital, Goa has similar potential to become India’s tourism capital, given the high tourist interest in the state, Gadkari said.

He said that the 125-metre twin towers that will be constructed atop the new Zuari bridge will also boost Goa’s tourism in a big way.

“I have seen the presentation for the project, which will have restaurants and other facilities. There will be a capsule lift taking tourists up the tower and atop, there will be viewing galleries and art galleries. There will be walkways taking tourists to the base of the tower and. Massive parking space will also be available,” Gadkari said.

The Union minister further said that Goa should consider introducing a light and sound show based on Goa’s history, which tourists can view from the tower.

“Every day, 2.5 lakh tourists come to Goa. Like Eiffel Tower, it will become international attraction. We introduced a light and sound show in Nagpur recently, featuring A R Rehman, Gulzar and Amitabh Bachchan. If required, we will send advisors for this to you. Show Goa’s history...we show Nagpur’s history..I am sure it will be successful in Goa as well,” Gadkari said.

The new Zuari bridge, which is a crucial link between North and South Goa, will serve as a lifeline for Goa and it is a gift in the New Year for the people if the state, he said.

Union minister of state for road transport and highways, V K Singh, said the twin towers atop the new Zuari bridge are expected to rival the Eiffel Tower and will help attract international tourists to the state, weaning them away from other destinations like Bali, Indonesia.