Latest news with #AkhandaGodavariTourismProject
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Minister Durgesh asks investors to back Andhra Pradesh's tourism vision
VIJAYAWADA: Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh called on investors to partner with the Andhra Pradesh government in transforming the State into a world-class tourism hub by 2047. Speaking on the second day of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Conclave Tech AI 2.0 in Vijayawada on Friday, Durgesh said tourism development is a top priority for the coalition government led by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. He highlighted that Andhra Pradesh offers an investment-friendly ecosystem and the government is open to ideas and committed to providing support. 'We have granted industrial status to tourism, introduced a new tourism policy for 2024–29, and are paving the way for sustainable, responsible, and tech-enabled tourism,' he said. The minister highlighted the State's 974-km coastline, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage, saying these assets will be showcased globally. He said hundreds of crores have been sanctioned under central schemes such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASAD, and CBDD. Key initiatives include the `94.44 crore Akhanda Godavari Tourism Project and upcoming policies in eco and adventure tourism. He also emphasised branding, marketing, tech enablement, and the creative economy. Calling on investors to 'forget the shadows of the past', Durgesh described tourism as a powerful tool for economic growth, cultural promotion, and employment.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Rajahmundry will be in world tourism map in two years, says Shekhawat
Rajamahendravaram: Union minister for culture and tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, state tourism minister Kandula Durgesh, and Rajamahendravaram MP Daggubati Purandeswari laid the foundation stone for the prestigious Akhanda Godavari Tourism Project at Pushkar Ghat in Rajamahendravaram on Thursday. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 94.44 crore, aims to transform the region into a world-class tourism destination. Speaking on the occasion, Union minister Shekhawat said that the project will create over 8,000 direct and indirect jobs and attract 35 lakh tourists annually by 2035. He stated that the Centre had sanctioned over Rs 450 crore for various tourism projects in Andhra Pradesh through flagship schemes such as Swadesh Darshan, PRASAD, SHAKTI, and Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD). Stressing the significance of Akhanda Godavari, Shekhawat noted that the project would elevate Rajamahendravaram to global tourism prominence by 2027, in time for the next Godavari Pushkaralu. He appreciated the combined efforts of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and minister Kandula Durgesh in shaping innovative tourism strategies. The funds under the SHAKTI scheme will be used to revamp heritage sites like the 127-year-old Havelock Bridge, developing it into a multi-functional tourist hub with theme parks along its 1.2 km span. Other initiatives include light and sound shows at Puttaparthi and Araku, cruise and cargo terminals at Vizag Port, and the modernization of Tirupati Railway Station. Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan noted Rajamahendravaram's cultural richness, naming iconic figures like Dokka Seethamma and poet Nannayya as its legacy. He stated that revamping the Havelock Bridge into a tourism site was a long-cherished dream of the people. He added that the coalition government is committed to the holistic development of Andhra Pradesh, and tourism is a major driver, with the potential to generate around 4 lakh jobs. MP Purandeswari promised efforts in Parliament to designate Rajamahendravaram as a Heritage Cultural Capital and ensure existing monuments are preserved during the riverfront development. She underlined the city's importance in India's tourism growth. Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh said the Akhanda Godavari project would include attractions such as the Havelock Bridge, Bridge Lanka, Picchuka Lanka, Pushkar Ghat, Kadiyam nurseries, Nidadavolu Kota Sattemma Temple, and the Godavari Canal, all to be developed as a single tourism circuit. District in-charge minister Dr Nimmala Ramanaidu criticised the previous government for stalling development and said the present coalition government is steering the state from destruction to reconstruction. MLAs Adireddy Srinivas, Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary, MLC Somu Veerraju, collector P Prasanthi and others participated. Later, the foundation was laid for a new permanent building at the AP State Forest Academy at Diwancheruvu. Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan said a permanent building would be built with the ₹18 crore for the AP State Forest Academy. He said that the state government's mission to increase green cover to 23 per cent, as envisioned by CM Chandrababu Naidu. Minister Kandula Durgesh, MLAs Battula Balaramakrishna, RUDA Chairman Boddu Venkata Ramana Chowdary, SP D. Narasimha Kishore, and APFDC MD Dr R P Khajuria also attended the event.
Hans India
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Deputy CM to lay foundation for Akhanda Godavari Project foundation
Rajamahendravaram: The foundation of the prestigious Akhanda Godavari Tourism Project aimed at showcasing the historical and cultural magnificence of Godavari region, will be formally held on June 19, announced by State Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh. The ground-breaking ceremony will be jointly performed by Deputy Chief Minister Konidela Pawan Kalyan and MP Daggubati Purandeswari, with the support of the Central government, he said. The Minister conducted a field visit on Saturday to oversee the arrangements for the upcoming event, inspecting key sites like Pushkar Ghat and theHavelock Bridge alongside district officials. He issued directions to ensure the smooth execution of the programme. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Durgesh said the project is being taken up with a sanction of Rs 97 crore under the SASCI 2024–25 (Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment) scheme. The works will span across Rajamahendravaram, Dowleswaram, Kadiyam, Kovvur, and Nidadavolu, aiming for completion before the 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu. He said that the project will significantly transform several locations in East Godavari district, adding new dimensions of beauty and improved tourist amenities. District Collector P Prasanthi stated that the 127-year-old Havelock Bridge, a heritage icon, will undergo beautification and modernisation. Proposed developments include waterfalls, glass bridges, a gaming zone, a space-themed park, an urban hot craft bazaar, hanging gardens, a hologram zoo, time travel experience zones, a rail museum, and an aquarium tunnel. These attractions are expected to position the location as a major tourism hotspot. The Pushkar Ghat will also be further developed, and both the ghat and the Havelock Bridge will be integrated into a single dynamic tourist destination, she added. Joint Collector S Chinna Rammudu, Municipal Commissioner Ketan Garg, RDO R Krishna Naik, Rajamahendravaram City MLA Adireddy Srinivas,and District TourismOfficer P Venkatachalam participated.
