Industry Leaders Propose Key Initiatives to Boost Gujarat’s Only Hill Station
The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI, in collaboration with the Southern Gujarat Hotel & Restaurant Association (SHARA), hosted a Membership Ride Meeting in Saputara on March 1, 2025. The meeting brought together key industry stakeholders to discuss infrastructure challenges and propose initiatives aimed at enhancing Saputara’s tourism, hospitality sector, and economic growth.
Key Issues & Proposed Solutions
Industry leaders highlighted major concerns affecting Saputara’s tourism potential and presented sustainable solutions, including:
✅ Infrastructure & Accessibility – Improving connectivity from Sunrise Point to Second Hill, upgrading the Governor Hill Mini Bus Service, and developing a meter-gauge train link between Waghai, Saputara, and Nashik.
✅ Public Safety & Amenities – Enhancing safety measures at Ram Zula and Laxman Zula, upgrading drainage systems, and resolving water supply issues.
✅ Tourism Promotion – Launching the ‘Khusbu Gujarat Ki’ advertisement campaign to increase Saputara’s visibility as a top tourist destination.
✅ Leisure & Attractions – Revamping the Surround Lake Toy Train and Walkway, developing a Liquor Zone to cater to tourism demand, and introducing a Leopard Safari in Vansda similar to Kanha and Gir.
✅ Cultural & Recreational Activities – Organizing large-scale events such as the Maha Saputara Surat Mela and Kite Festival to attract tourists.
✅ Green & Sports Initiatives – Conducting tree plantation drives in hill areas and constructing a Sports Complex for adventure and outdoor activities.
Industry Leaders Advocate for Experiential Tourism
📢 Mr. Upendrabhai Patel, President, Saputara Hotel Owners’ Association, emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, stating:
“Saputara has immense potential to be Gujarat’s premier hill destination. However, accessibility challenges hinder its growth. We aim to collaborate with the government to drive sustainable tourism development through better connectivity, cultural events, and eco-tourism initiatives.”
📢 Mr. Sanat Relia, Vice President, SHARA, highlighted the need for diversified tourism experiences, adding:
“Saputara must evolve beyond boating and ropeway attractions, which have been non-operational for some time. Our proposals include a toy train, expanded ropeway networks, and a well-structured tourism circuit linking Surat, Saputara, Kevadia, and Dandi. Additionally, we are advocating for a Leopard Safari in Vansda and monsoon adventure tourism to boost visitor engagement year-round.”
📢 Ms. Trupti Pawar, Secretary General, HRAWI, underscored the importance of industry collaboration, stating:
“Tourism growth requires collective efforts from private players, policymakers, and local businesses. This meeting has paved the way for practical solutions to enhance hospitality services, infrastructure, and overall visitor experiences in Saputara.”
A Vision for Saputara’s Future
With an ambitious plan to transform Saputara into a top-tier experiential tourism destination, HRAWI and SHARA will submit these proposals to the State Government and NITI Aayog. Their goal is to position Saputara as a leading year-round tourist hotspot, ensuring economic growth and sustainable development in the region.
