Pune: Religious tourism in the state is set to receive a major boost as the Union tourism ministry has sanctioned financial assistance of Rs 44 crore for the development of the Solapur mega circuit, which includes the pilgrimage spots of Pandharpur, Akkalkot, Tuljapur and Solapur.
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has received around Rs 92 crore from the ministry for the current fiscal to develop tourism projects in the state. Though a large chunk of the allocation is for the Solapur mega circuit, other tourism projects to be undertaken using the funds include development of the Aurangabad and Satara circuits, setting up chain-link fencing, a watch tower and a parking facility at Kas plateau, and a boat club and adventure sports facility at Panshet.