Gear up for adventure along Maharashtra coastline

Tourists planning to travel along the coastline of Maharashtra are in for a treat. The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) is planning to rent out aeroboat services along some of the most-frequented coas­tal areas in the state. According to sources, the Board also has plans to develop water sports, such as parasailing, alo­ng these areas.

The chosen company that will take up the project will have to pay Rs 10,000 per month to Maritime Board. Representation Pic/AFP

The plans
Speaking to mid-day, an MMB official said, "The main reason for this initiative is to promote alternative modes of water transport along the coastline of Maharashtra. MMB is interested in renting out aerobots, with passenger capacity of 12 people. The company that gets selected for the project will be given the licence for conducting water sports for a period of five years along the state's coastline. The term is expandable on mutual terms and conditions. While we maintain the aeroboat, we will help the staff of that company initiate the projects."

The terms
The conditions that have been put forth by the MMC require the chosen companies/ consortiums/ societies to pay 10 percent levy per passenger every month to the MMB. "It can also pay passenger levy calculated at 60 percent capacity of the aeroboat in advance for a year. So, the firm that will take up the project will have to pay R10,000 per month to MMB," the official said. "The Board also plans to develop a world-class cruise terminal along the coastline," the official said, adding that a well-equipped cruise terminal can enhance the tourism potential of the state. The locations being considered for the project include Juhu beach, Versova beach, Marve, Vasai jetty, Bhayandar, and Gaimukh, among others.

5 No. of years of the lease