Bollywood star Sanjay Khan’s RS10bn (US$162m, €127.5m, £99.7m) theme park in Agra, based on developing replicas of past and future civilisations, will be developed to be “like Disneyland”, according to the Agra Development Authority (ADA).

Using a Disney-esque model, visitors to the park will be able to explore seven 'cities', with actors portraying the people of the time. Each city will be connected via a monorail, which will deliver visitors to each unique location. Also included will be a luxury hotel, an area for themed weddings and receptions, a convention centre and an area for filmmakers to shoot movies.

Speaking to the Times of India, Prabhanshu Srivastava, secretary for the ADA, said, "Sanjay Khan's company has been chosen as a strategic partner for the project. It will be his responsibility to bring investors to the project. The theme park has the potential to change the face of tourism in Agra and is expected to emerge as a major tourist attraction."

The ADA has already provided the park with 580 acres (234 hectares) of land. A further 420 acres (170 hectares) is in the process of acquisition. The government has set aside RS5.5bn (US$86.6m, €69.2m, £55.1m) for purchasing land for the development from local farmers.

In June the Indian government announced plans to set up 20 'tourism parks' in the country over the course of the next five years based on the concept of Sentosa Island in Singapore. Each park – such as Khan’s new historical theme park – will include a hotel, convention centre, a food street plus entertainment and amusement facilities.

Bollywood star gains approval for RS10bn historical theme park as part of tourism initiative