The Union Tourism Ministry has given in-principle approval to the Maharashtra government's Rs 600-crore Raigad Fort conservation and beautification project.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said this after meeting Union Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma.

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and senior officials from central and state governments also attended the nearly half-an-hour-long meeting.

The issue of King Shivaji's forts is attached to sentiments of the people of Maharashtra. These historic forts are important also from tourism point of view.

Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra Chief Minister

"We presented to the ministry a detailed project report on conserving Raigad Fort and it has been approved. This clears the way for the project's speedy implementation," Fadnavis said.

He said Sharma has also agreed to delegate powers to the authorities at the state level to spend funds for the project.

There are 336 forts in Maharashtra. Of these, 40 fall under the purview of the Archaeological Survey of India. The state government has decided to conserve 18 of the forts.

Sharma also agreed to provide amenities at Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta caves in Maharashtra, the chief minister said, according to an official statement.