RLDA to build Holiday Resort in Railway Land near Bhushi Dam area

RLDA to build Holiday Resort in Railway Land near Bhushi Dam area

Lonavala (LNL): Bhushi Dam in Lonavla is among four popular tourist destinations in the country to be developed by Indian railways as a holiday resort with help from private enterprises. The other two destinations to be developed are Dighe dam near Thane and two other locations in Kerala. The four destinations are located on land that belongs to Indian Railways.

The Bhushi dam site would be given on lease to either a developer, a business group or any hotel and chain resort owner for development and commercial use thereafter.

The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), a statutory authority under the Ministry of Railways, has recently invited offers from developers who are expected to design and finance the project, besides operating and maintaining it. The RLDA said the land is lying unused and no railway operations would happen here in the near future.

Besides Bhushi and Dighe dams (Mogliche dam), the ‘Pallanthurthi’ island near Kollam and Peermade near Periyar tiger reserve (both in Kerala) will be developed with help from private groups.

A senior RLDA official told that the holiday resorts should be ready in the next 3 or 4 years depending on the response from developers. Asked if the developers may face hurdles in getting environmental clearances, the official said the private investors would have to study and examine the local area rules and regulations before going ahead with the plan.

Of the 27.39 acres of land at Bhushi dam, 17 acres is under water. Located about 6 km from Lonavla railway station, Bhushi dam is one of the famous tourist spots. When the dam is full with water, it overflows over a spillway and easily accessible stony terrain. A water fall near the dam is a popular spot between Lonavla and INS Shivaji. The attractions near the dam include Tiger’s Leap point, Karia Caves, Rye wood Park, Kaivalyadham Yoga Centre, Rajmachi Park, Valvan Lake, INS Shivaji, Amurtanjan Point, Dukes Nose point, and Bhaje caves.

The railways added that zoning and development control regulations of Pune region and Lonavla Municipal Council would have to be followed during the work.

Source: RailNews