Maharashtra to establish ‘Tourism Security Force’ at popular destinations

Representational image of tourists at Mumbai’s Gateway of India
| Photo Credit: Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Maharashtra government has established a ‘Tourism Security Force (Paryatan Mitra)‘ to boost tourism and prioritise tourist safety in the State. Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai said he aims to provide tourists a safe and secure experience through this initiative.

The Maharashtra Tourism Security Force will be started on a pilot basis during the Mahabaleshwar festival in Satara district, which will be held from May 1 to May 4. 

The Tourism Department will appoint tourism police on a contractual basis to create a sense of security among the tourists coming to the State. Mr. Desai said, “The force will also provide necessary information about the culture, history, tourist places, laws, rules and tourism, promoting sustainable tourism.”

The Tourism Department has directed the State Security Board and Maharashtra Ex-Servicemen Corporation Ltd. (MESCO) to submit the details of their employees as soon as possible.

“The launching of the Tourism Security Force will give a new lease of life to tourism and, at the same time, create new employment opportunities at local places,” stated Mr. Desai. 

The force will undergo special training to guide and protect tourists and have modern technology and a coordinated system to respond immediately in emergencies. Facilities like CCTV, helpline and an immediate response system will be available at tourist destinations.

Principal Secretary Atul Patne also mentioned that this is a positive step towards creating a security shield for tourists. “It will increase the influx of tourists towards tourism and provide economic benefits to local communities,” said Mr. Patne.

Mahabaleshwar Festival 

The pilot project will be implemented during the Mahabaleshwar Festival, where 25 personnel will be appointed through the Office of the Satara District Superintendent of Police. These personnel will be provided with the necessary training for the safety of tourists and as per the planning of the festival. This force will remain operational from 25 April to 31 August 2025. 

Satara Superintendent of Police will appoint senior officers to ensure personnel perform their duties appropriately. The expenditure incurred for this initiative will be borne by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation in coordination with the Maharashtra State Security Corporation and the Office of the Satara District Superintendent of Police.

After the successful implementation on a pilot basis at the Mahabaleshwar Festival, a ‘Maharashtra Tourism Security Force’ will be set up for the entire Maharashtra. Under this initiative, a target of ₹1 lakh crore private investment and 18 lakh direct and indirect employment generation has been set in the tourism sector.