Maharashtra Boosts Tourism Security

To enhance visitor safety and improve crowd management at popular tourist hotspots in Mumbai, Maharashtra Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai said that a dedicated tourism security force will be stationed at the Gateway of India

and Nariman Point, two of south Mumbai’s most frequented places.

The initiative follows the success of a similar deployment at popular hill stations of Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. According to Desai, the tourism force has proven effective in managing large crowds during peak travel season.

"The tourism security force has performed exceptionally well in Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani over the last three months. Taking inspiration from this success, we will soon launch the initiative in Mumbai at the Gateway of India and Nariman Point,"

he said on Thursday, according to PTI.

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The minister chaired a review meeting attended by district officials, senior police personnel, members of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), and engineers from the public works department to discuss the deployment plan.

Desai noted that the tourism force in Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani has played a critical role in controlling tourist flow, maintaining traffic order, ensuring

safety, resolving visitor disputes, and curbing reckless driving.

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"This is the first time such a concept was implemented in the state, and the personnel have done a commendable job. The same model will be replicated in Mumbai," he added, further stating that the MTDC will procure both four-wheelers and two-wheelers to support the force's mobility.

While security personnel at the hill stations are drawn

from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation, the Mumbai contingent will consist of officials from the Maharashtra State Ex-Servicemen Welfare Board. The government has arranged accommodation for the deployed staff, who will undergo training as part of their preparation.

The initiative would protect the greater interest of tourist by making Mumbai safer and protect iconic landmarks in the country's financial capital.