Looking to develop high-value tourist destinations with the added luxury of ‘Maldives style’ water villas, Niti Aayog, the Indian government’s think-tank, has prepared a Rs 1,500 crore water and land villa project in the lagoons of Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
It is reported that along with the villas, infrastructure would be developed, including the building of new airports, the introduction of seaplanes to these destinations and strengthening helicopter services as well as floating jetties to ensure smooth accessibility.
“Bids have been invited for the seven coveted projects, which will be developed on a priority basis in public-private partnership mode. The idea is to make India a major tourist destination,” an official stated.
The Aayog has proposed the development of 125 rooms in water villas to be constructed on Minicoy island, Suheli island and Kadmat island of Lakshadweep.
It plans to construct 460 rooms inland villas on Long Island, Aves Island, Smith Island and Shaheed Dweep island in Andaman & Nicobar.
