This story is from October 21, 2014

Open air minibuses in Tadoba, Pench soon

Giving a boost to wildlife tourism in the region, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) on Monday released Rs75 lakh to Tadoba and Pench tiger reserves to procure open air minibuses for foreign and local tourists
Open air minibuses in Tadoba, Pench soon
Nagpur: Giving a boost to wildlife tourism in the region, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) on Monday released Rs75 lakh to Tadoba and Pench tiger reserves to procure open air minibuses for foreign and local tourists.
The decision was announced by MTDC at a workshop on May 25 in Pench. Of the Rs75 lakh, Rs25 lakh have been released to Pench tiger conservation foundation to procure two such buses and Rs50 lakh to Tadoba foundation for four vehicles.
Such 20-30 seater buses are being operated in Ranthambore tiger reserve in Rajasthan and are popular. “It’s a good decision as it will help overcome the problem of high demand and less supply due to restriction on number of vehicles,” said Vilas Kale, ex-president of Vidarbha Economic Development (VED) Council. Two years ago, Kale was the first to submit a proposal to chief wildlife warden for running Canter buses.
Sources said the buses being brought here would be 20-25 seaters. The release of funds comes before the launch of luxury tourist train Deccan Odyssey by the MTDC. Cox & Kings, the travel company that will operate it, has already announced one-year schedule of the train.
Odyssey was to reach Tadoba on October 6 but its inaugural run was deferred till November 3. The train is scheduled to make 21 trips to Tadoba and Pench. Of these, four will be to Pench while 17 to Tadoba. The train will travel to Pench in March, April and May.
Tadoba field director GP Garad said the MTDC was to release Rs59 lakh for minibuses. “I have not yet received the money,” he said. Pench field director MS Reddy confirmed having received Rs25 lakh.
“We will be ready with the Canters by February 2015. They will be available for foreign and Indian tourists and students. These will be run by village eco committees,” said Reddy.
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