ADB, Himachal in talks to promote tourism sector of state

New Delhi, May 4: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is in the talks with Himachal Pradesh government in a bid to give a massive boost to the tourism sector in the state. 

Notably, a high powered Asian Development Bank team led by Country Director Keninchi Yokoyama met Himachal CM Jai Ram Thakur and held discussions for Rs 750 crore second trench proposal under Infrastructure Development Investment Programme for Tourism for ADB funding.

On this occasion, the ADB team highly appreciated the efforts of the Tourism Department in implementing the phase one and phase two projects under the programme which shall be completed in 2020. On the other side, CM Jai Ram Thakur said that 19 projects were sanctioned under phase one out of which 16 had been completed whereas three will be completed by June 2020.

Giving the detailed information, CM Jai Ram Thakur said, “Main projects under these include beautification of Shimla, restoration of Town Hall, parking at Tutikandi (Shimla) for 1000 cars, parking and tourist integrated centre at Chintpurni. Work on 12 projects under phase two is in progress and will be completed by 2020.”

The Chief Minister further noted that efforts were afoot to send a new proposal worth Rs 1800 crore for ADB funding to promote tourism with an objective of safe, sustainable, economic, eco-friendly tourism habitat supported by improved infrastructure and services.

Earlier Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Manisha Nanda held preliminary meetings with the ADB team in February and requested them to visit Shimla and forwarded a concept plan and preliminary project report for positive response from the ADB team. Manisha Nanda also informed that a tentative list of proposed works under the project has been prepared and discussed for developing various tourist places in the state and strengthening infrastructural facilities in these locations.