NEW DELHI, AUGUST 01, 2004
ARUN KUMAR DAS
The American motel (hotel for motorists) culture is all set to hit
the Indian highways, thanks to Jagdish Tytler.
In his new role as NRI minister, Tytler, has come up with plans to
dot the landscape along the national highways with super-efficient motels
and to also build "NRI cities" right in the heart of the metros,
which shall be named "town within town".
To begin with, a Rs 2.8 billion NRI project, the first of its kind
in India is coming up near Devan Halli Road off Belary on the National
Highway No-7 near Bangalore. This is the first major task Tytler is
set to execute after assuming office in May.
Explaining the idea behind such new projects, Tytler says, "This
is an ambitious project that we are currently working to complete. The
survey is already being done. It will cater to about 1-2 lakh people
and will be totally funded by NRIs."
"For construction purposes we have earmarked 693 acre of land out
of which 520 acre will be for residential areas and the rest 173 acre
for the business district. There will be 14,000 modern houses with full-fledged
facility of sports and parks. The business district will be of a world
class nature catering to the modern offices."
Tytler further says next similar projects are in the pipeline in Andhra
Pradesh,Kerala, Maharashtra and others states where we are in negotiation
with the state governments to involve NRIs.
As far as motels are concerned Tytler says the idea is to put up budget
hotels and motels after every 100 km on the national highway.
The ministry has chosen some 30 spots along the national highway where
motels can come up immediately with NRI funds. "Many NRIs particularly
from the US had shown interest to set up budget hotels, and motels along
the national highways," he says.
About his ministry not getting adequate space in South Block, Tytler
admitted that this is a temporary arrangement.