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Special Tourism Zone to be developed

PUDUCHERRY: The territorial administration has initiated the process to establish the proposed Special Tourism Zone at Manapet through public-private partnership on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis.

A few days ago, the Tourism Department invited applications to select a consultant to prepare techno-feasibility report and bid processing management, including preparation of concession agreement, a senior official told The Hindu.

“Based on the findings of the report, the project would be awarded on DBFOT basis to a private entity,” the official said.

The project was approved by the Cabinet in 2008 and, subsequently, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs gave in-principle agreement to lease the land to the developer for initial 19 years.

The lease period could be extended up to 30 years after approval from the Ministry, the official said, adding that the project is still in the initial stage.

“It's a long process, we have started only the preliminary works,” he said.

After the Cabinet cleared the project, the department acquired 110 acres at Manapet, about 15 km from here on Cuddalore Road. The land includes 87 acres of private and 22 acre of government land.

If the project is found viable, the land would be made available to the selected developer on licence fee and revenue sharing basis.

The Special Economic Zone has been conceptualised to provide tourists all facilities, including stay, entertainment and shopping, the official added.

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