The committee will be chaired by the Secretary, Union Ministry of Tourism Dr Christy Fernandez and will have State Tourism Secretary and Principal Secretary, Infrastructure as members along with stakeholders. The stakeholders include Indian Railways, Airport Authority of India, Archaeological Survey of India, the State Government and different airlines.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Dr Fernandez said Hampi was “no less important or less thrilling than the Taj.”
In a host of new initiatives, 232 acres of land will be utilised and developed to improve accessibility within Hampi area. Land has also been identified outside Hampi for development of hotels, restaurants, resorts and amusement parks. Ninety acres of land has been identified near the Hospet Railway Station, which can be used by private parties to improve amenities.
Plans to improve connectivity to Hampi, including more scheduled and chartered flights, are on the cards. The Railways Tourist Catering Corporation has offered to improve its services to develop facilities at Hospet Railway Station, he said.
He also announced that work will start on the Anegondi bridge which was abandoned due to objections by UNESCO which has been sorted out.