New Delhi - India's Rajasthan state is planning to lease out dozens of its historic forts to private companies to boost tourism numbers, a news report said.
The northwest state attracts a substantial number of foreign tourists to its old forts and palaces, recalling the glory days of the maharajas.
“We have identified 35 forts in the state for leasing out to private players for converting them into hotels or any other tourism product,” state tourist department head Sailendra Agarwal was quoted as saying by The Times of India daily.
Properties being managed by the state could be handed over to private management under mechanisms such as joint ventures or outright sales.
In other measures to boost tourism, the state would open monuments for public viewing until 11pm (1730 GMT). Currently the monuments close at 5pm. - Sapa-dpa