The state government of Maharashtra has purchased land from the administration in Jammu Kashmir for constructing the Maharashtra Bhawan in the region.
This deal was made during Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s visit to Jammu Kashmir in June 2023.
The project gained momentum following discussions between Chief Minister Shinde and Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, culminating in the decision to establish the Maharashtra Bhawan in Budgam district, central Kashmir.
The Maharashtra Bhawan, envisioned as the Valley’s inaugural state Bhawan, is poised to serve as a pivotal hub for accommodating and facilitating tourists exploring the scenic wonders of Jammu Kashmir.
Strategically situated in Budgam, the Bhawan’s location near Srinagar offers convenient accessibility for visitors arriving via the Srinagar airport.
The approval granted by the Maharashtra cabinet for the acquisition of a 2.5 acre plot in Ichgam underscores the state’s commitment to fostering regional connectivity and cultural exchange.
The transaction was sanctioned by the Jammu Kashmir administration contingent upon the payment of Rs 8.16 crores.
This initiative could only be made possible by abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 05, 2019. Earlier, land could only be leased in the region.