As many as 13 state-run panthikas, panthasalas or restaurants will be brought under public- private partnership (PPP) mode soon.
The highest bidders for each project have been finalized. They are waiting for the final approval from the empower committee on infrastructure (ECI) headed by chief secretary, official sources said. Tourism minister Maheswar Mohanty said the ECI would make the final recommendation on transfer of these 13 properties to PPP mode.
The properties awaiting ECI approval are panthikas at Bargarh, Sunabeda and Gupteswar, food court of Puri and a restaurant at Khandagiri. The other properties are at Jajpur road, Sonepur, Kapilas, Deuljhari, Gokarnika, Chari Chhak and BN palace of Parlakhemundi.
Besides, the government would also invite tenders for transfer of 28 more such state properties, including 14 panthasalas and four panthika, to PPP mode. Some of these are panthasalas of Harachandi, Bhatarika, Dhabaleswar, Girisola, Ghatagaon, Khandhar, Gupteswar, Biraja and panthikas at Dhauli, Sunabeda and Ramachandi. Earlier, agreements had been signed for 15 properties.
The tourism minister said the government has planned to introduce house boat facilities at Barkul, Rambha and Ramachandi and served letter of award to companies selected for these purpose. While Mumbai-based Ocean Blue has been selected for Barkul and Rambha, M/s Hotel Sukhamyua has been selected for Ramachandi. Ocean Blue had also been selected for water sports at sea beaches of Puri, Chandrabhaga and Ramachandi.
The minister said none of the bidders responded for occeanarium at Puri-Konark marine drive even as bids were invited in national dailies.
