The Hindu : Kerala News : 114 takers for Vazhiyoram project

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 20, 2006

Kerala

Kerala

114 takers for Vazhiyoram project

John L. Paul

Stakeholders meeting on February 6

KOCHI: One hundred and fourteen entrepreneurs have come forward to open sustainable wayside tourism amenities (called Vazhiyoram units) along major roads across the State.

The project was mooted a few months back by the Tourism Department with the aim of establishing 250 Vazhiyoram units along the highways, major roads, waterways and roads leading to tourist destinations, over a period of three years.

These units would have standardised designs and signages. They would offer quality services through restaurants, toilet and car parking facilities and souvenir shops. The project is set for commissioning soon.

Amenities

The aim is to provide wayside amenities to travellers, especially tourists who travel long distances. It would also give them a break from the tiresome journey. The entrepreneurs should possess a minimum area of 10 cents to start a Vazhiyoram unit. The Tourism Department would give a subsidy of Rs.5 lakhs or 25 per cent of the money invested, whichever is less. Subsidy to the tune of 25 per cent or 2.5 lakhs (whichever is less) would also be given for setting up sewage-treatment plants and eco-friendly initiatives.

Meeting

"A meeting of all the stakeholders has been called on February 6," said Asok Kumar Singh, Additional Director, Kerala Tourism.

"Apart from the entrepreneurs, architects of the units, bankers and suppliers of different products are expected to participate. The aim is to bring all players under one umbrella. Entrepreneurs could purchase products from companies whose wares will be on display. Aspects like how to go about the actual execution of the Vazhiyoram project and methods to standardise the services will be discussed," Mr. Singh said.

A majority of the Vazhiyoram units are being set up in the southern districts. They will supplement the restaurant facilities being provided by KTDC hotels, whose number is inadequate to meet the increasing demand from travellers.

No liquor

Unlike some KTDC hotels, liquor will not be served in any of the Vazhiyoram units. Anything from breakfast to dinner will be available here.

Benefits

Mr. Singh said that the Tourism Department stands to benefit from the project since it will raise the profile of the traveller in Kerala.

"All these units will cater to a fixed standard in their services. Each entrepreneur is free to add more facilities to their unit, including accommodation. The units will provide jobs to several hundred people. The number of people indirectly employed will be more than those who will be directly employed."

An apt example of public-private partnership, the project will also give employment

to traditional craftsmen engaged in creating artefacts from screw pine, bell metal, clay and dress materials.

There is also immense scope for organising and developing small home-based entrepreneurships.

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