Mahindra Lifespaces to develop Murud as medical tourism hub; create 6,000 jobs

Maharashtra state government has partnered with realty firm Mahindra Lifespaces to develop the coastal town of Murud in Raigad district as a medical tourism and wellness destination, involving around Rs 500 crore investment and creating around 6,000 jobs.The project, spanning 1,300 acres, is expected to be one of the biggest investments in the medical tourism and wellness industry in the state and will be developed under the state's tourism policy.The project will be executed by Mahindra Lifespaces' subsidiary Deep Mangal Developers, which has entered into an agreement with the state. Under this, the state will develop the basic infrastructure across the 1,300 acres of developmental area.[caption id="attachment_2610422" align="alignleft" width="380"] Representational image. Image courtesy: @ibnlive/Twitter[/caption]The project will help drive investments and create opportunities for jobs and skill development, the company said in a statement on Thursday, adding it will promote health and wellness, adventure, and culture and heritage tourism.The coastal town of Murud, 150 km south of the megapolis, was the seat of the Sidi (descended from the Bantus of East Africa) dynasty of the medieval era and is already a popular tourism destination, thanks to the nearby island fort of Janjira."Tourism has the potential to significantly improve the lives of local communities, contribute to economic growth and attract investments," the chief minister said in a tweet.In addition to driving tourism, the project envisions engaging local communities through education, skill development and economic empowerment of women, among other areas, the company said."Our initiative will help put Murud firmly on the global tourism map. It will also catalyse the growth of the local tourism industry, creating new jobs and business opportunities along the way," Mahindra group chairman Anand Mahindra was quoted in the statement.Last year, the Mahindra group had committed Rs 1,900 crore investment to develop a unique film-centric entertainment destination at Kandivali in northwestern Mumbai.Established in 1994, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd. is the real estate and infrastructure development business of the $20.7 billion Mahindra Group.--With PTI inputs