The allocation during the current year to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the National Highways Development Programme (NHDP) is being stepped up by 23 per cent over 2008-09. This move will benefit the Road Tourism segment in India with enhanced connectivity to destinations that are not accessible right now. The Road Tourism industry, which holds immense potential is yet untapped to its fullest capacity due to the challenges faced by the segment particularly with the road infrastructure and the tax issues faced by the industry.
Speaking with TravelBiz Monitor, Ashwini Kakkar, Executive Chairman, Mercury Travels said, “The increase in budget allocation for NHDP will act as a huge benefit to the travel and tourism industry as destinations will have better connectivity. This along with the government spending on infrastructure developments and developing other sectors like road, education, health and agriculture will also work to the advantage for the industry in the long run.”
Citing similar opinions, Iqbal Mulla, Chairman and Managing Director, Treasure Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd. |