Tourism sector in A.P. set for a boost as projects worth ₹428 crore near completion

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Under the Akhanda Godavari tourism project, ₹94.44 crore is being spent on developing destinations along the Godavari. | Photo Credit: File photo

Andhra Pradesh’s tourism sector is poised for a major boost, with eight large projects worth ₹428 crore funded by the Centre nearing completion.

Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh has been reviewing the progress of the projects through field visits and meetings with department officials to ensure their early completion. The projects focus on heritage, beach, spiritual, Buddhist and eco-tourism destinations across the State.

According to department officials, the government’s decision to accord industrial status to tourism and introduce a new tourism policy offering incentives to investors has helped attract investments worth ₹20,000 crore. The initiatives have also helped Andhra Pradesh improve its national tourism ranking from 16th to 13th place.

Other initiatives include seaplane services, caravan and cruise tourism, homestays, tent cities and houseboats. Free QR code-based digital guides providing information in more than 130 languages have also been introduced at over 100 tourist locations.

Under the Akhanda Godavari tourism project, ₹94.44 crore is being spent on developing destinations along the Godavari. The works nearing completion include the restoration of the historic Havelock Bridge, development of Pushkar Ghat in Rajamahendravaram, an experience centre at the Kadiyam nursery and boating facilities along the Godavari canal.

The Gandikota tourism project in Kadapa district is being developed at a cost of ₹77.91 crore. The facilities include viewpoints, heritage walks, boating, parking areas, improved roads, an open-air theatre and tourist information centres.

At Suryalanka beach in Bapatla district, ₹97.52 crore is being spent under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. The works include a shopping street, amphitheatre, visitor experience zone and resort-style accommodation. Adventure tourism activities such as horse riding, boating and scuba diving have also been introduced with private-sector participation.

At Simhachalam, works worth ₹54.04 crore have been completed under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme. At Annavaram, works worth ₹25.32 crore are under way to develop a new annadanam hall, queue complex, restrooms and electric vehicle facilities.

At Ahobilam, ₹24.96 crore is being spent under the Challenge-Based Destination Development sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan 2.0. The project includes a museum, improved surroundings, parking and shopping complexes, and toilet facilities.

The Buddhist circuit at Nagarjuna Sagar is being developed with an investment of ₹25 crore. The project includes a spiritual centre, meditation hall, landscaped park and visitor amenities to showcase the region’s Buddhist heritage.

At Lambasingi in the agency area, 15 geodesic glamping cottages have been set up, combining the experience of camping amid nature with the comforts of modern accommodation.