Almost a decade after Prime Minister Narendra Modi mooted the idea of promoting the barren salty marshes and sands of the Rann of Kutch as a tourist destination, the Gujarat government is planning to connect Kutch to Dholavira with a 287-km-long expressway which motorists are likely to cover within a few hours.
As a pilot project, the Gujarat government is planning to connect the two main tourism-friendly sites to put the state on the country’s tourism map. A senior officer said the move was expected to encourage local artisans to promote their skills
Gujarat tourism minister Saurabh Patel said the state government has for the first time accorded industry status to tourism under the leadership of chief minister Anandiben Patel as part of the CM’s slogan for “Gatisheel Gujarat”.
Aiming to promote Mr Modi’s ambitious “Make in India” and “Skill Development” programmes, the state government is also planning to strike a chord with local craftsmen. The tourism minister said: “We are keen to develop historical, religious and culturally important places and market them as tourist destinations. This would generate employment opportunities for the local craftsmen.”
The official said tenders for the expressway have been floated and it would be ready in a year’s time. “The tendering process is underway by the end of 2016 or early 2017 our ambitious project would be open to public use,” Mr Patel said. “Our primary idea is to cultivate Dholavira as a tourism hub, which is also a symbol of our 5,-year-old civilisation.”
The state government’s initiative has come almost 10 years after Mr Modi had mooted the idea of promoting the Rann of Kutch as a tourist destination.
The majestic Rann has turned into an oasis for domestic and foreign tourists from across the world. While culture, music and food combine to lure people, there seems further potential for using the great wasteland for adrenaline-pumping sports.
What works in Gujarat’s favour is the abundance of big industrialists who are also actively promoting sports across India and have taken keen interest in developing Gujarat’s tourism potential to the hilt.
The Rann at present delivers magnificent tent accommodation to tourists who drive for several hours to reach this great wasteland.
