18.2.21

Caravan tourism policy: Maharashtra third after MP, Karnataka

You will now be able to explore picturesque locations across Maharashtra from the comforts of a home-on-wheels as the state cabinet cleared the caravan tourism policy.

Maharashtra is now the third state in the country after Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka to unveil a caravan tourism policy.

As part of the policy, private players can procure caravans for tourism and as supportive infrastructure for the vehicles, the government will allow setting up of caravan parks. “Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, caravan tourism is gaining popularity as it is a safer way to travel. We want to set up infrastructure with basic amenities where these caravans can be parked,” said an official. “The private players who will run the parks will generate revenue through parking fees and services provided.”

The caravans will have to be registered with the transport department. Caravan parks are places where recreational vehicles can be parked and all the facilities, including water refill, battery charging and disposal of sewage, will be made available, along with food courts and information regarding local sights. The investors can either set up the caravan parks on private land or seek government concessions like providing help in getting government land on lease and reduction in stamp duty, refund of state GST and rebate in electricity bills.

“Maharashtra has immense tourism potential and with this policy, we want to promote the scenic beaches, forts, hill stations, and dams here. We want caravan parks to be set up in the buffer zone of a forest, near a dam, or foot of a fort. These are places where you will not find conventional resorts or accommodation facilities as rules don’t allow for permanent construction,” said the official.

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