Tamil Nadu plans cruise, ferry, rope car projects to boost tourism

The Tamil Nadu government has announced a set of tourism development initiatives. During the demand for grants discussion in the Assembly, Tourism Minister S Rajesh Kumar made 15 announcements for the department. These include plans for cruise and ferry tourism on routes such as Chennai-Kovalam, Poombukhar-Tharangambadi-Nagapattinam, and Rameshwaram-Thoothukudi-Kanyakumari. A sum of Rs 2 crore has been allocated to prepare a feasibility report for these projects. The minister also said a feasibility report is being prepared for introducing rope car services in Kodaikanal and Ooty, with execution to follow once ready. Development works will be carried out in dam areas in Kanniyakumari, Tiruppur, Krishnagiri and Erode districts at a cost of Rs 48 crore. In addition, vehicle parking and basic facilities will be created at various film shooting spots in the state under private public partnership.