The Hindu Business Line : Kerala Govt okays `vazhioram' project

THE State Government has approved in principle the implementation of Kerala Tourism's `vazhioram' project to build high-quality wayside amenities along the State's highways and waterways.

According to the Government Order, the project is to be implemented with participation from the private sector. Each `vazhioram' unit will have a range of facilities including restaurants, toilets, information counters and a souvenir shop.

In the second phase of the project, the Tourism Department proposes to establish Web-based tourist information centres at all `vazhioram' units by linking them to its tourism information call centre in Thiruvananthapuram. Besides providing tourists with access to food, toilets and other facilities, the project also aims to create more employment opportunities in the State. Kerala Tourism's objective is to have 500 `vazhioram' units in place in the next three years.

The Tourism Department plans to have at least one such unit every 10-20 kilometres along each National Highway, major State Highways, waterways and roads leading to tourist destinations.

Participation in the project is, however, not open to existing wayside facilities, restaurants and so on.

While private entrepreneurs are expected to set up and manage the `vazhioram' units, the Department of Tourism will play the role of a facilitator. The department will be responsible for selecting the entrepreneurs and will also set up a committee to inspect each unit before allowing it to start functioning.

All `vazhioram' units will be operated under a common brand created by the Tourism Department. The Government will also provide training to the entrepreneurs and the staff employed in each unit. Besides, the Tourism Department will also assist the entrepreneurs in obtaining collateral-free loans for the project.

The Tourism Department will also be responsible for developing a uniform design, including signage, for all `vazhioram' units. The department has also classified the `vazhioram' units into three categories - Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 - based on the space and facilities available.

The State Government will provide approved units with an incentive of 25 per cent of the cost of construction, subject to a maximum of Rs 5 lakh.

An additional incentive, subject to a maximum of Rs 2 lakh, will be given to `vazhioram' units that adopt waste management systems, recycle waste water, implement water harvesting projects and so on.

A committee appointed by the State Government will be responsible for selecting entrepreneurs for the project. Selection will be based on location of the proposed unit, availability of freehold land, professional qualifications and experience of the applicant in the hospitality sector, entrepreneurial ability of the applicant and the applicant's capacity to make investments.

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