In a significant move to draw more tourists to Maharashtra, the state government has partnered with realty firm Mahindra Lifespaces to develop the coastal town of Murud as a destination for medical tourism and wellness.

The project will be developed under the Maharashtra Tourism Policy and will attract Rs 500 crore investment and generate 6,000 employment opportunities, chief minister Devendra Fadanavis' office had tweeted Wednesday.

This is expected to be one of the biggest investments in medical tourism and wellness industry in the state.

Mahindra Lifespaces' wholly owned subsidiary Deep Mangal Developers has entered into the agreement with the state government, which will support the project by facilitating the necessary infrastructure across 1,300 acre of development.

This project will help drive investments and create opportunities for employment and skill development, the company said in a statement.

It will promote health and wellness, adventure, and culture and heritage tourism.

"Tourism has the potential to significantly improve the lives of local communities, contribute to economic growth and attract investments," Fadnavis said.

In addition to driving tourism, the project envisions engaging local communities through education, skill development of youth and economic empowerment of women, among other areas, the statement said.

"This new initiative by Mahindra Lifespaces will help put Murud firmly on the global tourism map. It will also catalyse the growth of the local tourism industry, creating new jobs and business opportunities along the way," Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra said.

Last year, Mahindra Group had committed an investment of Rs 1,900 crore to develop a unique film-centric entertainment destination on its land at Kandivali in suburban Mumbai.

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