Latest news with #Durgesh
Hans India
16 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
Durgesh outlines vision for AP tourism, calls for more support from investors
Vijayawada: Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh on Friday emphasised the critical need for investor cooperation to accelerate tourism projects, develop robust infrastructure, provide world-class experiences for tourists, and ensure benefits for local communities. He participated on the second day of the AP Tourism Conclave Tech AI 2.0 jointly organised by the Global Forum for Sustainable Tourism and APTDC. Durgesh said that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's decision to grant industrial status to the tourism sector has significantly boosted its development. 'This is the opportune moment for investors to invest,' Durgesh declared, contrasting the current government's proactive approach with the 'lack of tourism development' in the state over the past five years. Durgesh stressed that the government's primary objectives are economic development and job creation for youth in Andhra Pradesh, with tourism playing a pivotal role in the development of all regions. He noted that the Centre has already sanctioned hundreds of crores of rupees through schemes like Swadeshi Darshan 2.0, PRASAD, SAASKI, and CBDD. The minister confirmed that tourism development would be pursued through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. He outlined the state's goal to showcase its 974 km long coastline, natural beauty, and historical monuments to the world. He also revealed that Europeans have expressed interest in investing in wellness centers in AP. He gave details of six key areas guiding AP's tourism sector: Branding, marketing, product development, projects, investments, partnerships, tech enablement, creative economy and capacity building. The minister invited investors to put their money into AP, promising a free and conducive environment. He urged them to forget the 'shadows of sorrow' from the previous government, emphasising the long-term tourism pathways being laid and the commitment to improving employment opportunities in the sector. 'Andhra Pradesh tourism is conducive to investments. Share your ideas with the government, and it's our responsibility to provide assurance when you come with investments,' he added.
New Indian Express
19 hours 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.
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
DYK Panchayat 4 Fame ‘Bhushan' Durgesh Kumar Went To NSD? His ID Card Goes Viral
Last Updated: Durgesh Kumar aka Banrakas' ID card from the National School of Drama has been making rounds on the internet. Durgesh Kumar, aka Bhushan, from the popular web series Panchayat, is one of the most favourite characters in the comedy drama. Also known as Banrakas, the actor's character has carved a niche of his own in the four seasons of the series with his quick liners like 'Dekh rahe ho, Binod?" and others. Despite not being the lead, Durgesh's acting stint indeed lit up screens. But did you know about his journey in the world of glam and glitz? Recently, his ID card from the National School of Drama went viral. Durgesh Kumar got training at the National School of Drama before embarking on his acting journey in both theatre and on the silver screen. Now, a picture of the actor's identification card from the time he used to get training at the National School of Drama has been making the rounds on the internet. The actor, who has won many hearts with his mischievous stunts, sly humour and unforgettable nature in all four seasons of Panchayat, looked unrecognisable in the ID card. The picture featured the image of a young Durgesh, full of enthusiasm and hope to make it big in the industry. It was issued on July 25, 2012 and was valid till July 14, the following year. Check out Durgesh Kumar's ID card, which had resurfaced on the internet after multiple years: View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Better India (@thebetterindia) Reacting to it, one user said, 'The acting is far better than what I've seen in the Indian film industry." Another mentioned, 'We need such talent to be on top." 'Aapka bhi comeback ho gya," read a hilarious comment. Someone mentioned, 'Abki baar Banrakas sarkar." One more person added, 'So happy to see the growth! Congratulations." The 40-year-old actor, who had come a long way in his career, also shared yet another photo from one of his identification cards on Instagram. Alongside the photo, he wrote, 'Jab mein chota bachcha tha National School of Drama, New Delhi, India 2008 to 2011." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Durgesh Kumar (@ Coming to Durgesh Kumar's journey in the world of glam and glitz, the theatre veteran underwent many struggles before bagging a prominent role. As per The Better India, born in Darbhanga, Bihar, Durgesh moved to Delhi back in 2001. Initially, he left his hometown with dreams of becoming an engineer, but destiny had other plans for him. He couldn't clear the entrance exams and got enrolled in a course at IGNOU. This is when he found his calling in theatre and street plays. Eventually, he began his training at the National School of Drama and kept taking up roles that came his way, no matter how small they were. Finally, it was his casting in Panchayat that helped him rise to immense stardom. Talking about the same in a conversation with TOI, he said, 'People only see the success of Panchayat, but the truth is, I've struggled for 12 years to reach here." Talking about Panchayat, the latest instalment of the web series stars Jitendra Kumar as Abhishek Tripathi, Chandan Roy as Vikas, Sanvikaa as Rinki, Neena Gupta as Manju Devi Dubey, Faisal Malik as Prahlad, Ashok Pathak as Binod, Durgesh Kumar as Bhushan, Sunita Rajwar as Kranti Devi, and Pankaj Jha as the corrupt MLA Chandra Kishore Singh, among others, all set for yet another round of compelling storyline. First Published:
Hans India
5 days ago
- Hans India
Durgesh upbeat on Akhanda Godavari's tourism potential
Rajamahendravaram: Tourism, culture and cinematography minister Kandula Durgesh expressed confidence that the ambitious Akhanda Godavari Project, taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 94.44 crore, will transform the Godavari region into a major tourism hub, attracting between 15 to 20 lakh visitors annually and generating employment for over 8,000 people. Speaking to the media here on Monday, the minister announced that the foundation stone for the project will be laid at 10 am on June 26 by Union minister for tourism and culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and Rajahmundry MP Daggubati Purandeswari. The project encompasses the redevelopment of the historic Havelock Bridge, the spiritual enhancement of Pushkar Ghat, the introduction of a daily Godavari Harathi, the establishment of an Experience Centre at Kadiyam Nursery, and the beautification of key religious and tourism spots such as Bridge Lanka and the famed Sri Kota Sattemma temple in Nidadavole. The Havelock Bridge, a 127-year-old heritage structure, will be reconstructed and converted into a dynamic cultural and recreational destination. Of its 54 spans along the 2.7 km stretch, 25 spans will be developed, each themed individually including zones representing Rajamahendravaram's history, Andhra Pradesh's legacy, waterfalls, a glass bridge, gaming zones, a space-themed gallery, urban hot craft bazaar, hanging gardens, a hologram zoo, time travel exhibits, a rail museum, and an aquarium tunnel. Adjacent to these zones, 10 buffer spaces will be created for visitor amenities. Durgesh added that a tent city will be set up on the 120-acre Bridge Lanka area beyond the 18th span, and boating facilities will be introduced to ferry visitors to and from nearby ghats. Pushkar Ghat will be developed into a prominent spiritual destination, with a combined vision to make Havelock Bridge and Pushkar Ghat a unified, dynamic tourist attraction. Kadiyam Nursery, one of the largest nurseries in India, will be elevated into an Experience Centre, with surrounding nurseries at Kadiyapulanka and Pottilanka being upgraded with eco-friendly infrastructure. The historically significant Sri Kota Sattemma temple in Timmarajupalem (Nidadavole mandal) will also undergo beautification under the project. Additionally, plans are in place to create a Godavari Harathi Ghat at Samisragudem on the Godavari canal and initiate boating experiences in the canal. Durgesh emphasised that the vision of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is to drive tourism-led employment and wealth creation. Revenue will be generated through entry fees, tourism activities, and retail outlets within the developed zones. In preparation for the Godavari Pushkaralu, roads, transport, and tourism infrastructure will be upgraded across key locations, he said. He announced that the Oberoi Group has shown interest in investing in five locations across the state, with resort plans underway at Picchukalanka. Durgesh also stated that Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan made a remarkable speech during the Murugan Bhaktavargal manadu held in Tamil Nadu. The state government is currently formulating a comprehensive film policy to boost the cinema industry in Andhra Pradesh. On the political front, the minister strongly criticised YSRCP president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy for making provocative remarks during public tours. He condemned Jagan Mohan Reddy's approach, which he said encourages conflict and unrest. Durgesh called upon the people to reject divisive politics and support the government's efforts to establish peace and progress. He also criticised the previous administration for constructing the Rushikonda Palace instead of tourism resorts, which, he claimed, led to a loss in revenue for the tourism department. He noted that the palace's maintenance is currently causing heavy burden and said a decision will soon be taken to repurpose it for public benefit.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh Government to carry out fresh study on structural stability of 125-year-old abandoned Havelock bridge across river Godavari
The Andhra Pradesh Government is set to commission a technical investigation to assess the structural stability of the 125-year-old Havelock bridge across river Godavari that connects Rajamahendravaram City with Kovvur town in the Godavari region. Recently, the Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned ₹94.44 crore for the Akhanda Godavari project proposed by the State Government for various tourism infrastructure facilities, primarily to convert the abandoned bridge into a tourist spot ahead of the Godavari Pushkarams-2027. On Monday (June 23, 2025), Andhra Pradesh State Minister for Tourism and Culture Kandula Durgesh has announced; 'A few years ago, a study by the experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-Madras) has claimed that the structural stability of the Havelock bridge was good. However, we have decided to commission another expert committee for a fresh assessment of the structural stability of the Havelock bridge.' Mr. Durgesh has further added that the Havelock bridge beautification plan includes allowing craft bazaar and other tourist attractions on the bridge and beautifying its 25 spans into various themes on culture, crafts and folk literature of Andhra Pradesh. Under the bridge, a tent city has been proposed to be built on a 120-acre island of river Godavari. Heritiage Site The construction of the 2.74 km-long Havelock bridge began on November 11, 1897 and was commissioned for Indian Railways on August 30, 1900. However, the South-Central Railways has abandoned the bridge in 1997. The bridge was named after H.E. Sir Arthur Elibank Havelock, Governor of Madras. The Railway Board approved to hand over the Havelock bridge to Andhra Pradesh State government on 'as is where is' basis. 'The South-Central Railways has already handed over the Havelock bridge to the State Government for tourism purposes. The land has also been given to the railways in Rajamahendravaram City in return for the land at the entry point of the bridge,' East Godavari Collector P. Prasanthi told The Hindu. Bhumi Puja Speaking to mediapersons at a press conference in Rajamahendravaram on Monday (June 23, 2025), Mr. Durgesh has said that Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan would perform Bhumi Puja for the Akhanda Godavari project in Rajamahendravaram city on June 26, 2025. The beautification of the Havelock bridge, Kadiyam Nurseries Experience Centre, Boating in the irrigation canals, Godavari Harathi at Nidadavolu are the prime facilities proposed under the Akhanda Godavari project.
