Rs 172 cr Central funds for tourism in AP: Pawan

Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan’s continued efforts to develop major tourist centres in the state as prominent tourist destinations have borne fruit, with the Union Government allocating Rs 172.34 crore for the development of tourism sites.
A release issued on Thursday stated that Pawan Kalyan had met Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat recently in New Delhi and requested funds for enhancing key tourist centres in Andhra Pradesh.
In response to Pawan Kalyan’s appeal, the Union Tourism Minister sanctioned Rs 172.34 crore for the development of the ‘Akhanda Godavari’ and ‘Gandikota’ tourist centres. The funds have been allocated as part of the “Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)” programme.
It was noted that the Centre had released Rs 113.75 crore in the first phase, with the remaining amount to be disbursed after 75 per cent of the first phase funds are utilised. A total of 28 State governments vied for the SASCI funds to develop tourism projects, but eight withdrew midway. The Centre selected 11 states to receive these funds, with Andhra Pradesh being one of them.
“With the funds allocated to Andhra Pradesh under the SASCI scheme, the Tourism Department plans to develop Akhanda Godavari, Gandikota, and Suryalanka beach into attractive tourist destinations. Officials have been directed to prepare plans to initiate these works,” the release added.
As part of the SASCI funds, the historic 127-year-old Havelock Bridge across the Godavari River will be reconstructed to enhance its appeal to tourists. Additionally, the Pushkar Ghat will be developed, and both the bridge and the ghat will be linked to transform the area into a “Dynamic Tourism Destination” along the banks of the Godavari River.
The site will serve as a venue for historical, cultural, and entertainment events. The reconstruction of Havelock Bridge will include the addition of glass bridges, waterfalls, and aquarium tunnels. Further, temples in the vicinity will be renovated, and the renowned Kadiyam Nursery and Godavari Canal will be restored using the SASCI funds.
Significantly, the Gandikota tourist destination will be developed on the lines of the Grand Canyon in the United States. Development work on these sites is set to begin in January, with the tendering process to be expedited, according to Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh.
Pawan Kalyan has also worked to ensure coordination among the Endowment, Roads and Buildings (R&B), and Tourism departments to accelerate the completion of these projects. The Tourism Minister stated that Andhra Pradesh is expected to receive Rs 25,000 crore in investments for the tourism sector through public-private partnerships (PPP).
A part of the initiative, roadworks for the famous hill shrine at Kotappa Konda will be undertaken at a cost of Rs 3.90 crore. These works are scheduled to be completed before the Kotappakonda Thirunally in February 2025, officials have been instructed.