7 wayside amenities likely in Malwa-Nimar region

Indore: At least seven new wayside amenities are likely to come up in Malwa-Nimar region amid a growing footfall of tourists and to upgrade infrastructure in the tourist circuit.The tourism department is planning to lease out 7-8 developed properties to private players for running wayside amenities in Indore-Ujjain divisions.Madhya Pradesh Tourism Corporation, Indore regional manager Ajay Shrivastava said, “We would be leasing out around 7-8 properties for running wayside amenities. These properties are fully developed and ready to be operational once it goes on lease to the third party.” Amid a jump in tourist footfall, the tourism department is developing infrastructure, adding rooms and activities to existing property across the state. The department plans to create wayside amenities at every 50-100 km in tourist places though industry players said many units have shut down soon after opening due to limited footfall and lack of business.The department is also working on developing homestays in this area by engaging private house owners.In a workshop conducted by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board in March, close to 300 local residents of Ujjain enquired about starting a homestay facility.Shrivastava said, “Footfall of tourists has surged in this region due to Mahakal Lok and this has led to a rise in demand for accommodation. Looking at the rising need, we are also working on opening homestays in Ujjain and nearby areas.”