Akkalkot Municipal Council Appoints REPL for Development of Akkalkot Tirtha Kshetra
The Akkalkot Municipal Council (AMC) has recently made a significant move by appointing Rudrabhishek Enterprises Limited (REPL) to provide consultancy services for the development of Akkalkot Tirtha Kshetra in Akkalkot, Solapur, Maharashtra. This endeavor aims to transform the region into a thriving hub of pilgrimage tourism while fostering economic growth and creating new job opportunities.
I. Infrastructural Revamp for the Holy City
Seeking Comprehensive Development
Spanning across an extensive area of 1023 acres, the designated city area primarily focuses on the development of Akkalkot Temple and its immediate surroundings. The AMC plans to revamp the region’s infrastructure in what they aptly named the Akkalkot Teerth Kshetra Development project.
Promoting Ancillary Services and Diversifying the Economy
A central aspect of this comprehensive plan is the emphasis on fostering ancillary services that include hospitality, guided tours, and handicrafts in the communities surrounding religious sites. By encouraging the development of these services, AMC aims to diversify the economy and create a robust and sustainable economic landscape in Akkalkot.
II. Insights from REPL’s Executives
Contributing to Pilgrimage Tourism and Economic Growth
Pradeep Misra, CMD of REPL, expressed gratitude for being entrusted with the responsibility of contributing to the development of the proposed Akkalkot Tirtha Kshetra. He acknowledged the growing popularity of pilgrimage tourism and its pivotal role in driving economic growth. Misra highlighted that pilgrims tend to spend more on accommodation, transportation, and local goods, resulting in a significant catalyst for local economies. Furthermore, it leads to infrastructure development and the creation of new job opportunities.
Structural Transformation and Business Opportunities
Ameet Hede, VP of REPL, detailed some of the key aspects of the infrastructure revamp plan. It encompasses road development and street infrastructure, road repairs, terminal infrastructure development for vehicles, and parking spaces. Additionally, it includes vital features like the establishment of parks and gardens, the development of a lake shore, and the creation of business centers/guest houses for pilgrims. These initiatives have a dual purpose of enhancing business opportunities for local residents while giving a much-needed boost to existing businesses in the area.
III. REPL’s Track Record in Government Projects
REPL has an impressive record of providing consultancy services for various flagship projects initiated by the Government of India. Their expertise extends to projects such as Smart City, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Skill India, and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). The company has multiple ongoing projects across the country, including their involvement with PMAY in Pune and PMC, where they aim to build thousands of dwelling units.
As the Akkalkot Municipal Council takes decisive steps towards the development of Akkalkot Tirtha Kshetra, the economic landscape is expected to witness a radical transformation. Through infrastructure improvements and the augmentation of ancillary services, the holy city of Akkalkot will not only attract more tourists but also provide new business prospects for local communities and amplify the existing ones. With the collaboration of AMC and REPL, Akkalkot is poised to flourish as a prime destination for pilgrimage tourism in Maharashtra.
