The way has been cleared for the implementation of the five-star hotel project at Shirorda-Velagar in Sindhudurg district, marking a significant step towards giving a new direction to tourism development in the region. A significant tripartite agreement was signed between the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), M/s Indian Hotels Company Limited (Taj Group) and Shirorda-Velagar Landowners’ Co-operative Society Limited. The agreement was signed today at Mantralaya in the presence of Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde, Tourism Minister Shri Shambhuraj Desai, Guardian Minister of Sindhudurg and Minister Shri Nitesh Rane, former Minister and MLA Shri Deepak Kesarkar, and senior officials concerned.
The proposal to develop a five-star tourism centre at Shirorda-Velagar had been pending for several years. In 1994, private land for the project was acquired by the District Collector, Sindhudurg, on behalf of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. Government land at Shirorda-Velagar was also subsequently made available to the Corporation. Accordingly, a total of 54.40 hectares of land for the project is held in the name of the Corporation.
For the further implementation of the project, an important meeting was held on December 23, 2025, under the chairmanship of Tourism Minister Hon. Shri Shambhuraj Desai. In this meeting, in-principle approval was accorded for an agreement between the State Government, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, M/s Indian Hotels Company Limited and the concerned villagers regarding the acquired land. Subsequently, approval pertaining to the property was granted at the 177th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation held on April 28, 2026. On June 30, 2026, the State Government approved the signing of the agreement with IHCL – Taj.
Landowners to Receive Rs. 60 Crore in Three Phases
As per the key provisions of the tripartite agreement, a total amount of Rs. 60 crore will be paid by M/s Indian Hotels Company Limited (Taj Group) to the concerned landowners in three phases. The landowners will be paid Rs. 1.44 crore per hectare. For the 23.88-hectare area in Plot B-1, an amount of Rs. 34 crore 41 lakh 43 thousand 933 will be disbursed in the first phase.
Employment and Skill Development Opportunities for Local Youth
The five-star hotel project is expected to provide a significant boost to tourism in Sindhudurg district while creating new employment opportunities for local residents. Priority will be given to the local community while providing employment opportunities to eligible project-affected persons. In addition, the Taj Group will undertake skill development and training initiatives, or provide necessary support, to enhance the employability of local youth.
New Impetus to Tourism Development in Sindhudurg
The project will play an important role in complementing the natural beauty of Sindhudurg district with modern and world-class tourism facilities. The five-star hotel will strengthen the district’s tourism infrastructure; help increase tourist footfall and provide an impetus to the local economy. The project will also create employment opportunities for local residents.
The tripartite agreement signed in the presence of Hon. Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis marks an important milestone in the tourism development of Sindhudurg. Under the leadership of Tourism Minister Hon. Shri Shambhuraj Desai, the Department of Tourism is accelerating tourism projects while giving priority to protecting local interests and generating employment. The Shirorda-Velagar project is expected to be significant in this regard.
The tripartite agreement was signed by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Hon. Shri Nilesh Gatne and Senior Manager Shri Sanjay Dhekne; IHCL – Taj Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Shri Puneet Chhatwal and Executive Vice President Shri Rajendra Mishra; along with representatives of the Shirorda-Velagar Landowners’ Co-operative Society Limited.
The five-star project at Shirorda-Velagar will not be limited merely to the construction of a hotel. It will be an important tourism development project providing economic benefits to local landowners, employment and skill training opportunities to local youth, space for public amenities, and a wider platform to showcase Sindhudurg’s tourism potential.
Air Connectivity to Ensure Easier Access for Tourists
The five-star tourism project at Shirorda-Velagar will benefit from excellent air connectivity. The hotel will be located approximately 30–45 minutes from Sindhudurg Airport (Chipi) and around one hour from Manohar International Airport, Mopa (Goa). This will make Shirorda-Velagar more easily accessible to domestic tourists from different parts of Maharashtra and the country, as well as international tourists.
