Bandar poised to become South India’s coastal crown jewel, say ministers
PNS|Vijayawada
The scenic shores of Manginapudi Beach in Machilipatnam came alive on Thursday with the grand launch of the Masula Beach Festival, a four-day extravaganza that drew huge crowds of tourists and locals. Designed to promote beach tourism in Andhra Pradesh, the event was inaugurated with fanfare by Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh, Mines & Geology and Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra, and other dignitaries.
The festival opened with the inauguration of the Gateway of Amaravati Iconic Tower, an architectural highlight at the beach’s entrance, followed by the unfurling of a 100-foot-high national flag in honour of Pingali Venkaiah, the designer of the Indian National Flag. A series of adventure sports, including paragliding, kayaking, and traditional beach games such as kabaddi and volleyball, added thrill and vibrancy to the occasion.
In attendance were Government Whip and Gannavaram MLA Yarlagadda Venkata Rao, Pamarru MLA Varla Kumar Raja, APSRTC Chairman Konakalla Narayana Rao, DCMS Chairman Bandi Ramakrishna, Tourism Special Chief Secretary Ajay Jain, Krishna District Collector DK Balaji, and SP R Gangadhar Rao.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Kandula Durgesh announced that Manginapudi Beach would be developed into a world-class tourist destination.
“The Masula Beach Festival is giving this region a fresh identity,” he remarked, adding that the state government is fast-tracking development. Durgesh also revealed that during a recent meeting in New Delhi, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat expressed willingness to extend further central assistance.
“DPRs are being prepared, and Manginapudi is among our top priorities,” he said.
The minister noted that thanks to the state government granting industrial status to the tourism sector, several prestigious hotels and resorts have opened across Andhra Pradesh over the past year. “This bold decision by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is now delivering visible results,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustainable tourism development.
Minister Kollu Ravindra echoed the optimism, declaring the festival as South India’s largest beach celebration. “We are proud to revive this grand event in Machilipatnam. Bandar will soon shine as the Gateway of Amaravati,” he said, taking a dig at the previous regime for having neglected the beach and attempting to restrict public access.
Ravindra also highlighted a model of the Amaravati Assembly building installed at the venue, describing it as a visual delight. “This festival brings together the essence of India at one destination,” he said, urging officials to secure central funding under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and assuring support to entrepreneurs ready to invest in local hospitality ventures.
He concluded by stressing that the completion of Machilipatnam Port would be a game-changer for the region, signalling a brighter future for Bandar.
