Jamshedpur, Feb. 8: Work at the Sakchi Sarai (tourist complex) of Jharkhand State Tourism Development Corporation (JSTDC) located beside Jama Masjid has picked up pace since the state tourism minister Amar Kumar Bauri visited the site last August. If the same pace continues, the complex might start functioning by mid-2016.
During his visit, minister had directed the administration for the proper upkeep of the complex as tourists coming to this part of Jharkhand have to entirely depend on private hotels and lodges for accommodation.
Kannelite Facility Management Services (KFMS), a city based facility management company, will operate the tourist complex. Currently, renovation work is in full swing at the complex.
According to sources in KFMS, Jharkhand State Tourism Development Corporation had fixed a timeline of nine months since the revamping work started in January this year, but the way the restoration work is going on, the tourist complex may start functioning by June 2016.
Mithlesh Jha, director, KFMS, said, �The revamping work is in full swing at tourist complex and we have deployed laborers more than the strength required so that the complex can become operational by June 2016 and it becomes beneficial for people visiting the tourist spots located in East Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan district from the adjoining states of Orissa and West Bengal.�
Built at cost of Rs 5 crore in 2010, the 32-room tourist complex is yet to be inaugurated. The property belonging to Jharkhand State Tourism Development Corporation (JSTDC) is situated in the heart of the steel city and comprises of banquet hall, swimming pool and adequate lawn space.
Since it was constructed in 2010, successive tourism ministers and state governments assured to open it at the earliest, but the complex is yet to become operational.
�Tourists from adjoining states of Orissa and West Bengal, especially during the Durga Puja festival, will be all time high once the revamped tourist complex is opened as We will be converting few rooms into suits and deluxe,� said Jha, adding, �The visitors will get a three-star hotel feel, as restaurants, shopping areas, banquet halls will be added to the complex.�
KFMS, which has obtained a 30-year lease on the complex, will pay Rs. 71 lakh annually to the state government for the first two years and subsequently the private agency will pay revenue with additional 10 percent year-on-year increment.
It may be noted that during the Durga Puja celebrations in the city, several puja committees had submitted a proposal to the tourism department for the accommodation of tourists visiting the city at Sakchi Sarai during the five-day festival, but nothing had happed until now.
This time with majority government in the state there is hope that tourism industry will get a push.
