Maharashtra: Centre sanctions Rs 604 crore plan for Raigad Fort's facelift

Historic fort Raigad, the place where coronation ceremony of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was held in 1674 would get a face-lift since Union Government has sanctioned a development plan worth Rs 604 crores for the same. By bringing back the historic glory of the fort, tourists would be able to visit the fort even after sunset.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed media persons after his meeting with the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Mahesh Sharma that the development work could be undertaken since all the authorities have now been handed over too state government. 

Fadnavis informed that there are 336 forts in Maharashtra out of which 40 fall under the Archaeological Survey of India. He informed that state government has prepared a plan for transforming 18 important forts which would bring back the historic glory of these monuments.   

Union Minister for Surface Transport Nitin Gadkari was also present during the meeting at Transport Bhavan. Archaeological Survey of India director General Rakesh Tiwari, Konkan divisional commissioner Prabhakar Deshmukh and officials from Ministry of Culture and Tourism were also present.

Fadnavis informed that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had announced that he would transform Fort Raigad so that its historic glory is brought back. Accordingly detailed plan has been prepared and now since all the authorities are vested with state government, Fadnavis informed that there would not be any need to approach ASI every now and then.